There are many great basketball players in the world, but there is no one definitive answer to this question. Different players have different strengths and weaknesses, and what makes one player the best for one person may not make them the best for another. Some people might prefer a player who is an excellent shooter, while others might prefer a player who is a tenacious defender.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide who they think is the best basketball player. However, a few players are widely considered to be among the greatest of all time. Players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant have all demonstrated incredible skill on the court and have left a lasting legacy in the world of basketball. These players are the best basketball players of all time for many people.
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan racked up numerous accolades during his storied career, including six NBA championships and five MVP awards. But perhaps his most impressive achievement is his record for most points per game in a season.
In 1986-87, Jordan averaged an astounding 30.1 points per game, which has still not been matched or surpassed. Jordan’s incredible scoring prowess was the driving force behind Chicago’s first three-peat, and it cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. James has won four NBA championships, four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, four Finals MVP Awards, and two Olympic gold medals.
He has also been selected to 14 NBA All-Star Teams and has been voted onto the All-NBA First Team 12 times. In 2010, he was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. In 2020, ESPN voted him as the male athlete of the decade. James is also the founder of the LeBron James Family Foundation. He is also a producer on the comedy-drama Space jam.
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant was an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. During his 20-year career, Bryant won five NBA championships, four NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, two Olympic gold medals, and an NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
He also led the NBA in scoring twice and was named an All-NBA First Team member 12 times. Upon his retirement in 2016, he was the third-leading scorer in NBA history. Kobe was also a successful businessman, investing in businesses such as BodyArmor and launching his own clothing line, Mamba Uninterrupted. In 2020, he was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He is a six-time NBA champion, a six-time NBA MVP, and a 19-time All-Star. He is also the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 38,387 points. Abdul-Jabbar is perhaps best known for his signature shot, the skyhook, despite all of these accomplishments.
The skyhook was virtually unstoppable, and it helped him dominate opponents for two decades. Abdul-Jabbar won 10 NBA championships as a player and coach, making him the most successful player in league history. He is also the only player to be named MVP of the NBA Finals.
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most successful and popular basketball players. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing 325 pounds, he is an imposing figure on the court. But it is his incredible skill and athletic ability that has made him a household name. O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey, and began playing basketball early. He quickly developed into a dominant player, leading his high school team to the state championship.
After graduating from high school, he attended Louisiana State University on a full scholarship. At LSU, he helped the team win the NCAA National Championship. After college, he was drafted by the NBA’s Orlando Magic and went on to win Rookie o the Year.
During his 19-year NBA career, O’Neal won four NBA championships, three Finals MVP Awards, and one Regular Season MVP Award. He was also a 15-time All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Upon his retirement in 2011, he was one of the most decorated players in league history. In 2016, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
6. Larry Bird
One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Larry Bird, was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Bird was not the tallest player on the court during his high school years, but he made up for it with his natural athleticism and shooting ability. After graduating from high school, Bird attended Indiana State University, where he quickly established himself as one of the best college players in the country.
In 1979, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics and would have a stellar pro career, winning three NBA championships and being named NBA MVP three times. After retiring from playing in 1992, Bird became a successful coach and executive, leading the Indiana Pacers to the NBA Finals in 2000. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
7. Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade is an American professional basketball player who played for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wade is one of the most popular and successful players in NBA history. He is a 12-time All-Star, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, and a three-time NBA champion.
He is also the all-time leading scorer in Miami Heat history. Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in a tough neighborhood. Despite his challenges, he developed into a star player in high school and college. After being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2003, he quickly became one of the best players in the league.
During his 16-year NBA career, Wade has accomplished many things. He is a 12-time All-Star, a three-time NBA champion, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He is also the all-time leading scorer in Miami Heat history. In 2010, he was named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. In 2016, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
8. Wilton Norman Chamberlain
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was an American basketball player who played as a center and is considered one of the greatest players in history. He played for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in Philadelphia and first played organized basketball at Overbrook High School.
Chamberlain stood 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m) tall and weighed 250 pounds (113 kg) as a rookie before bulking up to 275 and eventually to over 300 pounds (140 kg). He is credited with changing the way basketball is played; he introduced the flying dunk shot and is often credited with creating the role of the dominant center. Chamberlain’s regular-season career scoring average of 30.1 points per game is the seventh highest in NBA history, and his 48.5 percent field goal percentage is the fifth highest.
He is the only player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, which he accomplished seven times. He holds the NBA records for single-game points (100), single-half points (59), and consecutive games, scoring 40 or more points (14). The Warriors retired Chamberlains’ jersey, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1978.
9. Magic Johnson / Earvin Johnson Jr.
Magic Johnson is one of the most successful basketball players of all time. He helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Championships and was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals three times. After retiring from playing in 1991, Johnson became a successful business executive and philanthropist. He is also an active investor in a number of tech startups.
In addition to his business ventures, Johnson is a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. He has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research and treatment and has helped increase understanding of the disease. Magic Johnson is truly a one-of-a-kind individual, and his impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.
10. Bill Russell
Bill Russell is a retired professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA championships during his thirteen-year career.
Russell led the University of San Francisco to two consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, and he captained the gold-medal-winning U.S. national team at the 1956 Summer Olympics. After retiring from playing in 1969, Russell became a coach, and he led the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship in 1979. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.
11. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. A versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass with the best of them, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star and a member of the gold-medal-winning 1960 U.S. Olympic team. He also had a remarkable college career, leading the University of Cincinnati to two Final Fours while averaging 33.8 points per game.
Robertson continued to excel in the pros, winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971 and being named MVP of the league in 1964. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, and his #1 jersey has been retired by both the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. Oscar Robertson was one of the greatest ever to play the game.
12. Jerry West
Jerry West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His nicknames included “Mr. Clutch,” for his ability to make late-game shots and lead his teams to victory; “The Logo,” about his silhouette being used as the NBA logo; and “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” for his rural Appalachian roots.
West played 14 seasons with the Lakers, winning six NBA championships. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980 and voted as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996. Jerry West is truly one of the all-time greats.
13. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan is one of the most successful basketball players of all time. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997 and quickly became a key player on the team. Throughout his career, he has helped the Spurs win five NBA championships.
He has also been named NBA MVP twice and selected 15 All-Star teams. In addition to his on-court success, Duncan is widely respected for his leadership and dedication to his team. He is a true role model for young players and an inspiration to all who watch him play. There is no doubt that Tim Duncan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
14. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon is a retired professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon moved to the United States to play college basketball at the University of Houston. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft and went on to have a stellar career with the team.
During his 18 seasons in the NBA, Olajuwon won two NBA championships, was named the NBA MVP in 1994 and selected 12 All-Star teams. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, and his number 34 jersey has been retired by the Rockets. After his playing career, Olajuwon became a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He is truly a global icon and one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
15. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a ten-time NBA All-Star and has won two NBA championships, an NBA Most Valuable Player Award, and four Olympic gold medals. Durant is one of the most talented and decorated players in NBA history, and he is still in the prime of his career.
Durant was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and he played college basketball for the University of Texas at Austin. The Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, and he spent his first nine seasons with the team before it relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Thunder. In 2016, Durant joined the Golden State Warriors, where he won back-to-back NBA championships in 2017 and 2018. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019.
16. Steph Curry
With his lethal combination of outrageous shooting, ball-handling, and floor vision, it’s fair to say Steph Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball. As the engine that makes the Golden State Warriors go, Curry has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court.
Curry has cemented his place among the all-time greats, a two-time NBA MVP and three-time champion, and there’s no sign of him slowing down anytime soon. Blessed with preternatural shooting touch and uncanny court awareness, Curry is a true once-in-a-generation talent, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him light up the league for the past decade.
17. Kevin Garnett
As a kid, Kevin Garnett was always taller and more prominent than his peers. Standing 6-foot-11 by the time he was 13 years old, Garnett had to learn how to play the game of basketball against bigger and stronger opponents. With hard work and determination, he developed into one of the best players in the world. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves straight out of high school in 1995 and quickly became one of the most dominant forces in the NBA.
A true multi-talented player, Garnett could score, rebound, and defend with the best of them. He helped lead the Timberwolves to eight straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2004. In 2007, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA championship in 2008. After a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in 2015, where he remains to this day. He is a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the best players of his generation.
18. Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley is a retired professional basketball player who is now an analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. Barkley was born and raised in Alabama, and he attended Auburn University. The Philadelphia 76ers drafted him in 1984, and he played for them for eight seasons. He then spent four seasons with the Phoenix Suns before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 1996.
Barkley retired from basketball in 2000. During his career, Barkley was a ten-time All-Star and was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA in 1993. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Barkley has also been outspoken on political issues, and he endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008.
19. Karl Malone
Karl Malone is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a two-time NBA MVP and a 14-time All-Star. He is also the second-leading scorer in NBA history. Malone was known for his power and strength and his ability to score in the post. He was an excellent rebounder and defender and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team four times.
Malone spent most of his career with the Utah Jazz and helped lead the team to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998. He also played for the USA Basketball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal. After retiring from the NBA in 2004, Malone became an entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2010, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
20. Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler is one of the most versatile players in the NBA. A 6-foot-8 small forward, he has the strength to body up with power forwards and the agility to stay with guards on the perimeter. Butler is an excellent scorer, averaging 21.5 points per game last season, and he is also a gifted rebounder and passer.
A three-time All-Star, Butler was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2015 and 2016. He has also been a key player for the Chicago Bulls, helping them to reach the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. With Butler leading the way, the Bulls are once again one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
21. Julius Erving
Julius Erving is one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. A five-time NBA All-Star, he was a driving force behind the league’s popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. His acrobatic style of play was revolutionary, and his soaring dunks thrilled fans around the world.
Erving was also a skilled passer and rebounder, and he helped lead his team to several NBA Championships. After retiring from the NBA, Erving continued to be a hugely popular figure, appearing in commercials and television shows. He remains an inspiration to young basketball players, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
22. David Robinson
David Robinson is one of the most successful and respected basketball players of all time. He was born in 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a family of nine children. Despite his humble beginnings, Robinson excelled at basketball from an early age and went on to star for the United States Naval Academy, where he was named the college player of the Year in 1986. He also won a gold medal as a member of the United States men’s basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Robinson was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft, and he quickly established himself as one of the league’s best players. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1988 and went on to win two NBA Championships with the Spurs. Robinson was also a ten-time All-Star and was named the NBA MVP in 1995. He retired from the NBA in 2003 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
23. Moses Malone
Moses Malone was one of the best basketball players of his generation. A 6’10” center, he was a force on both court ends, using his size and strength to dominate opponents. He was named MVP three times and was an All-Star 12 times, earning a spot on the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. Malone also won a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983, being named Finals MVP in the process.
After he retired from playing in 1995, Malone remained involved with the game as a coach and broadcaster. He passed away in 2015, but his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time lives on.
24. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor was one of the most talented and influential players in basketball history. His incredible leaping ability and silky smooth jump shot revolutionized the game and helped make the NBA into today’s global powerhouse. Throughout his 14-year career, Baylor averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, leading the league in scoring eight times.
He was also a ten-time All-Star and was named MVP of the 1964 All-Star Game. Baylor’s impact goes beyond his individual statistics, though. His style of play was a significant influence on future stars like Julius Erving and Michael Jordan, and his reputation as a clutch performer helped to increase interest in the NBA during its critical early years. In many ways, Elgin Baylor is the player who made the NBA what it is today.
25. Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen is one of the most iconic players in NBA history. A six-time NBA champion, he is best remembered for his time spent with the Chicago Bulls, where he played alongside Michael Jordan. He was a ten-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Pippen was also a member of the 1992 Dream Team, winning gold at the Olympic Games.
After retiring from basketball, Pippen became an ambassador for the game. He has been involved in numerous charities and has helped promote the game of basketball worldwide. In addition, he has been a vocal supporter of athletes’ rights and has spoken out about the importance of social justice.
26. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is 6 feet 11 inches tall and plays the small forward and power forward positions. Giannis was born in Greece to Nigerian parents, and he grew up in Athens. He began playing basketball at a young age, and he played professionally in Greece before being drafted by the Bucks in 2013.
Giannis became an NBA All-Star in 2017, and he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2019. He is often referred to as the “Greek Freak” due to his unique combination of size, speed, and skill. Giannis is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, and he has quickly become one of the league’s most popular players.
27. Isiah Lord Thomas III
Isiah Lord Thomas III (born April 30, 1961) is an American former professional basketball player who played point guard for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was taken as the second overall pick by the Pistons in the 1981 NBA draft. The 12-time NBA All-Star was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Thomas has also been a successful basketball executive, serving as a coach, executive V.P. of basketball operations, part-owner of the Indiana Pacers, and the president and part-owner of the WNBA’s New York Liberty. He played collegiately for the Indiana Hoosiers, leading them to an NCAA championship in 1981.
In his rookie season, Thomas was named Rookie of the Year and led the Pistons to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons lost in the NBA Finals again in 1988 and 1989, but Thomas was named MVP of both those seasons. In 1990, the Pistons finally won an NBA championship, defeating the Lakers in a dramatic seven-game series. Thomas was named Finals MVP, and he is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history.
After his playing career, Thomas went on to have a successful career as a basketball executive. He served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks. He also owned a minority stake in the Pistons. In 2015, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Thomas is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was a 12-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Thomas was an excellent scorer and playmaker, and he is considered one of the best point guards of all time.
He led the Pistons to three NBA championships, and he was named Finals MVP in 1990. Thomas is also a successful basketball executive, serving as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks. In 2015, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
28. Kawhi Anthony Leonard
Conceived in Los Angeles, Kawhi Anthony Leonard was raised in his dad’s hometown of Riverside, some 60 miles east. Leonard credits much of his success to his parents, Mark and Kim, for instilling strong family values as the middle child of three.
“I think the way my parents brought me up had a lot to do with it,” he told reporters after winning the NBA Finals MVP award in 2014. “They taught me how to stay level-headed and not get too high or too low.” Indeed, this even-keeled approach has helped Leonard maintain his remarkable composure in the face of intense pressure both on and off the court. After all, it is not easy being one of the best players in the world while also dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one. But Leonard has handled it all with grace, and in the process, he has cemented his place as one of the best players in the NBA.
29. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Born in Greece in 1994, Giannis Antetokounmpo began playing basketball at a young age and quickly developed into a top player in his country. He moved to the United States in 2013 to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, and he has since become one of the best players in the NBA. Antetokounmpo is a versatile player who can play multiple positions, and he is an excellent scorer, rebounder, and defender.
He was named the NBA MVP in 2019, and he has led the Bucks to the playoffs in each of the past five seasons. Antetokounmpo is still just 25 years old, and he has already established himself as one of the best players in the NBA.
He is a two-time NBA MVP and a five-time All-Star, and he is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world. Antetokounmpo is still just 25 years old, and he has already established himself as one of the best players in the NBA. He is a two-time NBA MVP and a five-time All-Star, and he is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world.
30. John Stockton
John Stockton is widely considered one of the best point guards in NBA history. A ten-time All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, he spent his entire 18-year career with the Utah Jazz, helping lead the team to two NBA Finals appearances. A gifted playmaker and excellent shooter, Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. In addition to his on-court accomplishments, Stockton is also known for his humility and character. He was a beloved figure in Utah, and his selfless style of play endeared him to fans around the world. Today, he remains an iconic figure in the game of basketball, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
31. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson is one of the most iconic and most popular players in NBA history. He was an electrifying player with a unique style of play. Iverson was known for his quickness, ability to score, and tenacious attitude on the court. He was also one of the most marketable players in the league, appearing in numerous commercials and endorsement deals.
Iverson was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996, and he quickly became one of the faces of the franchise. He won the Rookie of the Year award and was named an All-Star in his first season. Iverson went on to have a stellar career, being named MVP in 2001 and leading the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001. He is also a two-time All-Star Game MVP and a four-time scoring champion. Iverson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
So, who is the best basketball player?
It depends on who you ask. However, a few players are considered to be among the greatest of all time, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. Each of these players has demonstrated incredible skill on the court and has left a lasting legacy in the world of basketball. These players are the best basketball players of all time for many people.
