The greatest players in NBA history is a debate that is always widely held across several generations of fans.
Those hoopers helped their teams consistently boast short championship NBA odds.
Who are the 12 best NBA players of all time? Let’s take a look.
12 Best NBA Players of All Time, Ranked
| Rank | Player | Team(s) |
| 1 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards |
| 3 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers |
| 4 | Earvin "Magic" Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 5 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 6 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 7 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 8 | Shaquille O'Neal | Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics |
| 9 | Kevin Durant | Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets |
| 10 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
| 11 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 12 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia/San Franciso Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers |
Who Are the Best NBA Players Ever?
1. LeBron James
LeBron James is the only player to score 40,000 points, and he did it while considering himself a pass-first player.
The four-time MVP helped the Cleveland Cavaliers become the first team to overcome a 3-1 Finals series deficit against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in 2016.
2. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six championships in as many tries, pulling off two “three-peats” in the ‘90s.
The five-time MVP consistently averaged more than 30 points per game in an era that prioritized physical defence and scoring in the midrange and the post.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s iconic skyhook helped him hold the NBA’s all-time scoring record for 39 years.
The six-time MVP won six championships, five with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Milwaukee Bucks.
4. Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his no-look feeds and half-court lobs.
The three-time MVP helped the “Showtime” Lakers win three championships.
He became the only rookie to win Finals MVP in 1975.
5. Bill Russell
Bill Russell revolutionized defensive concepts, as his blocked shots helped him secure rebounds or served as outlet passes.
The five-time MVP helped the Boston Celtics win 11 championships, owning the most rings in NBA history.
6. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan earned the nickname “The Big Fundamental” due to his ability to dominate a game while sticking to the basics, such as using the backboard.
The two-time MVP helped the San Antonio Spurs win five championships.
7. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant developed the “Mamba Mentality” moniker due to his tireless work ethic.
He scored 81 points in a single game in January 2006, the second-most in league history.
The one-time MVP helped the Lakers win five championships.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was an absolute force inside, throwing down one backboard-breaking dunk after another.
The one-time MVP won four rings, three with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.
9. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant stands nearly 7 feet but handles the ball like a guard and can score from any angle.
The one-time MVP helped the Warriors win championships in 2017 and 2018, winning Finals MVP both times.
10. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry became the first player to drill over 4,000 career 3-pointers and 400 in a single season.
The two-time MVP and four-time champion was named the league’s first unanimous MVP in 2016.
11. Larry Bird
Larry Bird was the first player to average at least 50% shooting from the floor, 40% from 3-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.
The three-time MVP helped the Celtics win three championships.
12. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA record 100 points in a single game in March 1962.
The four-time MVP won two championships, one with the Philadelphia 76ers and another with the Lakers.
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