Top 10 NBA Players of All-Time

August 7, 2024

The NBA has witnessed many legendary players who have left a mark on the game.

These NBA legends have broken NBA records, and thrilled fans with dunks, buzzer beaters, and have taken home multiple NBA Championships and NBA MVP Awards.

Greatest NBA Players Of All-time

Here is a look at the top 10 NBA players of all time (our opinion), based on career stats, achievements, and overall impact on the game.

1. Michael Jordan

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,072
Points: 32,292 (30.1 points per game)
Rebounds: 6,672 (6.2 rebounds per game)
Assists: 5,633 (5.3 assists per game)

Michael Jordan, considered the greatest basketball player of all time by all those who know the game, led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.

His combination of scoring, defensive ability, and ultra-competitive drive set him apart from his peers. Jordan was a five-time MVP, six-time NBA Champion and a ten-time NBA scoring champion.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,560
Points: 38,387 (24.6 points per game)
Rebounds: 17,440 (11.2 rebounds per game)
Assists: 5,660 (3.6 assists per game)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s second all-time leading scorer, was known for his unstoppable skyhook shot.

He won six NBA championships and six MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity and consistency over 20 seasons are perhaps unmatched, however number three on this list is not far behind.

3. LeBron James

Career Stats (as of August 2024):

Games Played: 1,421
Points: 38,352 (27.0 points per game)
Rebounds: 10,222 (7.2 rebounds per game)
Assists: 10,441 (7.4 assists per game)

LeBron James, known for his combination of power and basketball IQ, has dominated the league since his debut in 2003.

He has won four NBA championships and four MVP awards.

LeBron’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets makes him one of the most complete players in history.

4. Magic Johnson

Career Stats:

Games Played: 906
Points: 17,707 (19.5 points per game)
Rebounds: 6,559 (7.2 rebounds per game)
Assists: 10,141 (11.2 assists per game)

Magic Johnson changed the point guard position forever with his size and playmaking ability.

He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and won three MVP awards.

Magic’s court vision and leadership were key to the Lakers’ success in the 1980s.

5. Bill Russell

Career Stats:

Games Played: 963
Points: 14,522 (15.1 points per game)
Rebounds: 21,620 (22.5 rebounds per game)
Assists: 4,100 (4.3 assists per game)

Bill Russell is one of the most decorated players in NBA history, renowned for his defensive prowess and leadership.

He led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, an unmatched feat.

Russell was a five-time MVP and a 12-time All-Star, dominating the game with his rebounding, shot-blocking, and team-oriented play.

His impact on and off the court has left a lasting legacy, making him a true legend of the sport.

6. Kobe Bryant

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,346
Points: 33,643 (25.0 points per game)
Rebounds: 7,047 (5.2 rebounds per game)
Assists: 6,306 (4.7 assists per game)

Kobe Bryant, known for his scoring ability and competitive spirit, also referring to himself as the “Black Mamba”, won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was an 18-time All-Star and won two Finals MVP awards.

Bryant’s work ethic and clutch performances have cemented his legacy, with his style of play and mentality often compared to Michael Jordan.

7. Wilt Chamberlain

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,045
Points: 31,419 (30.1 points per game)
Rebounds: 23,924 (22.9 rebounds per game)
Assists: 4,643 (4.4 assists per game)

Wilt Chamberlain was possibly the most dominant force the league has ever witnessed in the paint (Shaq might say otherwise), setting numerous records that still stand today.

He won two NBA championships and four MVP awards.

Chamberlain’s 100-point game and his incredible rebounding stats highlight his dominance.

8. Larry Bird

Career Stats:

Games Played: 897
Points: 21,791 (24.3 points per game)
Rebounds: 8,974 (10.0 rebounds per game)
Assists: 5,695 (6.3 assists per game)

Larry Bird, known for his shooting touch and clutch performances, was a three-time MVP and led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships.

Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson is one of the most celebrated in sports history, and his impact on the game is enduring.

9. Shaquille O’Neal

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,207
Points: 28,596 (23.7 points per game)
Rebounds: 13,099 (10.8 rebounds per game)
Assists: 3,026 (2.5 assists per game)

Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force in the paint, combining size, strength, and agility.

He won four NBA championships and one MVP award and is considered on of the best NBA centers of all-time.

O’Neal’s presence on the court made him one of the most unstoppable players of his era.

10. Tim Duncan

Career Stats:

Games Played: 1,392
Points: 26,496 (19.0 points per game)
Rebounds: 15,091 (10.8 rebounds per game)
Assists: 4,225 (3.0 assists per game)

Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championships.

He won two MVP awards and was a model of consistency and leadership throughout his career.

Duncan’s defensive prowess and low-post game were key to the Spurs’ success.

What a list of GOATS!

These ten players are the greatest in the history of the sport (again, in our opinion). Whether through scoring prowess, defensive excellence, or leadership qualities, these legends have defined what it means to be the best in the NBA.

Greatest NBA Players Statistics

These 10 NBA players have cemented their status as the greatest in the history of the NBA. Here is an easy to digest table of their total career stats.

Player	Games	Pts	Rbs	Asts
1. Michael Jordan	1,072	32,292	6,672	5,633
2. LeBron James	1,421	38,352	10,222	10,441
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	1,560	38,387	17,440	5,660
4. Magic Johnson	906	17,707	6,559	10,141
5. Bill Russell	963	14,522	21,620	4,100
6. Larry Bird	897	21,791	8,974	5,695
7. Wilt Chamberlain	1,045	31,419	23,924	4,643
8. Tim Duncan	1,392	26,496	15,091	4,225
9. Shaquille O’Neal	1,207	28,596	13,099	3,026
10. Kobe Bryant	1,346	33,643	7,047	6,306