Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of heated debate around Bleacher Report as to whether Kobe Bryant is the greatest player to ever play the game.
But instead of debating No. 1, I and five of Bleacher Report's top NBA writers decided to determine Kobe's place among a group of all-time greats.Erick Blasco, Dave Finnochio, Dave Metrick, Zander Freund, Andrew Ungvari, and Jordan Holz all took part in the longest roundtable column in Bleacher Report history...
Michael Whittenberg
Whenever I make a case for an all-time great, championships are often looked at—but at the same time they don't always define a player's career.
Guys like Karl Malone and Charles Barkley—who never got to taste a championship are still looked at as all-time greats.
Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant are still playing the game to this day, but they both recieved the nod from me as a top ten player of all-time.
So without further ado, this is my list of the NBA's top 10 players of all-time as of today.
1. Michael Jordan (1984-2003)
Considered to majority of die-hard NBA fans as the greatest of all time.
To me, listing his stats just isn't enough to make a case for him as the greatest.
Whenever a young and up-and-coming stars enters the league, the media loves to label them as "The Next Jordan".
There will never be another MJ, and labeling guys as the next Jordan is kind of an insult to Michael himself.
If guys like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird—who were considered the greatest before Michael say that he is the best, then I have to agree.
One of the things I loved about Michael Jordan, was his competitive spirit. I don't think any player that steps foot on a basketball court can match that competitive edge.
Aside from the scoring titles, MJ also won Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and made the all-defensive team nine times.
And away from the hardwood, Jordan revelutionized the tennis shoe industry as well.
Notable Accomplishments: 1985 Rookie of the Year, Six NBA titles, Five-time league MVP, 10 All-NBA first teams, and nine-time All-Defensive First Team
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969-1989)
Because the Lakers have had so many greats, it is hard to determine who was the best. But if were to ask me, I would tell you that Kareem is the greatest Laker.
Magic, Wilt, Jerry West, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant are some of the Laker greats, but Kareem was the best.
The only guy to perfect the sky-hook, with many of his 38,337 career points coming off that signature move. By the way, he is the NBA's all-time points leader.
What was Milwaukee thinking when they traded him?
Notabale Accomplishments: Six-time NBA champion, six-time MVP
3. Magic Johnson (1979-1996)
Magic isn't just one of the greatest point guards of all-time—but he is "arguably" the greatest point guard to play the game.
Although he was oversized at his position standing at 6'9", Magic was still a pure point guard.
His size gave him the advantage against other guards, and allowed him to play all five positions.
Excellent in the run-and-gun transition, Magic made some of the most eye-popping passes. Not only was he a magnificent passer—but he was very unselfish. He helped popularize both the behind-the-back and the no look pass.
He averaged double-digit assists nine straight seasons from 1982-1991.
Notable Accomplishments: Five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988), three league MVPs, and three Finals MVPs
4. Larry Bird (1979-1992)
"Arguably" the best closer during his era, and was an intimadator to all his competitors.
He might not have had the quickness or athleticism to use to his advantage—but that didn't matter because he still knew how to get it done.
Notable Accomplishments: 1980 Rookie of the Year, Three NBA Titles, Three MVP Awards, Nine-time All-NBA First Team, and three-time All-Defensive Team
5. Wilt Chamberlain (1959-1974)
Aside from Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt is considered the most dominant center to play the game.
Wilt was literally unstoppable on offense, and is probably the greatest scoring center to step foot on the hardwood.
The guy averaged 37.6 PPG along with 27 RPG his rookie season, something that will never be done again.
He is tied for first all-time in career PPG with Michael Jordan, with a 30.1 PPG career average.
Notable Accomplishments: 1960 Rookie of the Year, Two-time NBA championship, Four-time MVP, Seven-time All-NBA team, and Two-time All-Defensive First Team
6. Bill Russell (1956-1969)
Russell is the best shot blocker ever, and maybe the best low post defender as well.
He helped the Celtics win 11 championships in 13 seasons.
A career average of at least 22 rebounds per game is something only Russell and Chamberlain will ever accomplish.
Notable Accomplishments: 11-time NBA champion, Five-time MVP
7. Oscar Robertson (1960-1974)
Robertson, also known as the "Big O," is the only guy in NBA history to average a triple-double in a season.
The Big O made the triple-double was it is today, and is the all-time leader in that department with 181.
He is known as the best post-up guard, and some say he was way ahead of his time.
Even other great players of the decade like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, John Havlicek, and Elgin Baylor proclaimed the Big O as the best player from the 60s.
Notable Accomplishments: 1961 Rookie of the Year, 1964 MVP, One-time NBA champion.
8. Isiah Thomas (1981-1994)
As great as he was, he wasn't even the best point guard during his era, thanks to Magic Johnson.
One of the toughest, if not the toughest point guard to play the game.
Thomas stood at 6'1, yet he his one of the greatest scorers the game has seen.
It's amazing that he never won an MVP award.
His lack of fear and competiveness is one of the things I loved most about him.
Notable Accomplishments: Two-time NBA champion (1989 and 1990)
9. Shaquille O'Neal (1992-present)
Although he is still playing today, Shaq will go down as the most dominant center ever when it's all said and done.
During his prime, there was no way of stopping this man, and the fact that he was 7'1 and over 300 pounds didn't help.
It's hard to watch the slow and declining Shaq today, but he has already punched his ticket in the Hall of Fame.
Notable Accomplishments: 1993 Rookie of the Year, 2000 MVP, Four-time NBA champion, and three-time Finals MVP
10. Kobe Bryant (1996-present)
While the media loves to compare every young star to Michael Jordan, this guy is the one even close to MJ.
Some say he is better than Jordan, and some say that he is already the greatest player ever. But when he finally hangs it up, he might very well be the best ever.
The killer instinct and the competiveness on both sides of the floor is what reminds me of Jordan the most.
He is the best player in the league today, the best closer as well.
Why he hasn't won an MVP yet remains a big mystery to me.
Notable Accomplishments: Three-time NBA champion, and Seven-time All-Defensive Team
Honorable Mention: Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, Jerry West, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon
Zander Freund
#1) Michael Jordan
Jordan is unquestionably the greatest of all time. He's one of (if not the) best defensive guards to ever play and truly revolutionized the conception of what a man at his position was capable of on the offensive end—first with his athleticism, ball-handling, and penetrating ability early in his career, and with his uncanny knack for nailing mid range jumpers from anywhere on the court, from any angle, with anyone in his face later in his career.
Jordan won six championships with the Bulls and was the unquestionable focal point of the team throughout his tenure in Chicago. He likely would have taken home eight consecutive titles had he had not retired from the game in the mid 90's for two seasons.
On the individual accomplishment front: how does 10 consecutive scoring titles sound?
More importantly, however: there simply is no player you would rather have taking the shot at the end of the game than MJ. He is a competitor and leader in the truest sense, and arguably the most impressive athlete in the history of sports.
#2) Bill Russell
What's more impressive: the fact that Bill Russell won eleven championships in 13 seasons, 5 MVP awards throughout his career, or that he dominated the most impenetrable offensive force the world had ever seen every time they squared off?
Any way you cut it, Mr. Russell absolutely has to go in the two slot.
#3) Magic Johnson
Three MVP awards; five championships. Lead the league in assists on four occasions and was runner up on six other occasions.
The greatest passer ever and a man who redefined what a point guard was capable of. The leader of showtime and a cultural icon to boot.
Did I mention that he scored 42 and grabbed 15 boards playing center in the NBA finals!?
#4) Larry Bird
The epitome of an all-around player who worked every single day of his life to improve his game. He wasn't naturally talented like some of the players on this list, but his fundamentals were flawless—he could pass, shoot, and rebound better than anyone at his position.
And of course he was a feerless competitor, fighting for the ball with every ounce of his energy at all times.
Winner of three MVP awards and three championships, Larry Legend was a reliable bet to make a big shot at the end of the game. He will always be remembered for his gutsy play and leadership in the stickiest of situations.
#5) Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Revolutionizing the nature of his position as the league's first legitimate center with an outside game, Kareem holds NBA records for points scored and most career MVP awards (6). His unstoppable skyhook allowed him to win six titles throughout his career with two different teams.
#6) Wilt Chamberlain
The greatest scorer of his time—and perhaps of all time—Wilt the Stilt did things on the court that no one will ever do again.
He averaged over 50 points in a season. Never again.
He scored 100 points in a game. Never again.
He won 11 career rebounding titles. Never again.
Bill Russell may have gotten the better of Wilt in their famous showdowns, but that should not distract us from Chamberlain's unprecedented productivity as a scorer and rebounder.
#7) Oscar Robertson
The Big O led the league in assists on seven occasions, and is the only man in league history to AVERAGE a triple double in a single season.
'Nuff said.
#8) Tim Duncan
Duncan is the unsung hero of today's era, with his quiet yet effective fundamentals and team-first attitude. He's won four championships and is one of the better defensive big men to ever step on the floor, being elected to the NBA's first team all defense in seven seasons.
#9) Jerry West
"Mr. Clutch" was a four time all-defense first team selection who also finished in the top three in scoring in five consecutive seasons. His knack for the big shot and his abilities on both ends of the floor make it difficult to leave him out of the top 10.
#10) Shaquille O'Neal
Other than Chamberlain, there has never been a more dominating force in the paint than Shaq Daddy.
He took three different teams to the NBA finals, and has four rings to his name. His career field goal percentage of .580 is mind boggling. His defensive and rebounding skills leave a lot to be desired for someone of his size—but from eight feet out, there's no one I'd rather have holding the ball.
Honorable Mention, #1: Hakeem Olajawon
By far the most graceful NBA center to ever step onto the court, it's a shame that Hakeem doesn't crack the top 10. His ability to create his own shot via the "dream shake" and deny the opponents on the other end of the floor with his shot-blocking ability make him one of the most memorable dual threats in league history.
Honorable Mention, #2: Elgin Baylor
Averaging over 30 points a game for three consecutive seasons between 1960 and 1963, Elgin Baylor is an NBA legend that flies under the radar with most mainstream fans.
Honorable Mention, #3: Karl Malone
You want consistency? Malone finished in the top 5 in scoring in 13 consecutive seasons.
The Mailman's ability to create his own reliable 17 foot jumper at any time—coupled with his stellar defense and steady board skills—make him unquestionably the best true power forward in league history.
If it hadn't been for the Chicago Bulls, he'd crack the top 10 without a doubt.
Honorable Mention, #4: Moses Malone
I don't know why the "other" Malone always seems to get left off of these lists. He won a championship, three MVP awards, and has six rebounding titles to his name throughout a career that started in the mid 70's and ended in the mid 90's.
It's as if ever since Karl came along, no one gives any love to Moses. He was a phenomenal player who made consistently stellar contributors on both ends of the floor throughout three decades. But you know I got your back Moses.
Honorable Mention, #5: John Stockton
The all time leader in both steals and assists, Stockton got it done on both ends of the court in Utah for 19 straight seasons. Without a doubt one of the best passers and clutch shooters to ever play the game.
Erick Blasco
It should be noted that due to my paucity of years, I have never seen the majority of the players included (or omitted) in my list on anything more than highlight reels. Feel free to take the list with a grain of salt.
With that being said, the list:
1) Michael Jordan
Nobody in the history of basketball has had the will to win of Michael Jordan. In his illustrious career, only once did Michael Jordan fail in the clutch (when he lost the ball to Nick Anderson during the 1995 Conference Semis). The number of game-wining shots he’s made are too numerous to count. Plus Jordan was as complete as they come; a great defender, a mid-range shooter, a post player, a passer, a rebounder, and one of the smartest players to ever play.
2) Bill Russell
Russell may have been the best defensive player ever. He anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships under his watch and he averaged over 25 rebounds per playoff game. Russell was an exceptional shot-blocker, a great passer, had an effective left hook, and was extremely unselfish. If not for Jordan, Russell would be known as the greatest winner to ever play the game.
3) George Mikan
There would not be an NBA today if not for the gentle giant Mikan. Mikan was the game’s first extraordinary big man, and was the NBA’s first superstar. Before one game between Mikan’s Minneapolis Lakers and the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden billed the game as George Mikan vs. The Knicks. Mikan ended up inventing the shot block and won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers.
4) Magic Johnson
Johnson was one of the most versatile basketball players ever. Aside from his magnificent passing skills and court vision, Johnson was also a dominating post player. In fact, despite his natural position being point guard, Johnson was often asked to play the center position with the Lakers. Magic led his “Showtime” Lakers to five NBA Championships.
5) Larry Bird
Bird’s ascent to greatness is a little surprising because he wasn’t particularly strong, wasn’t fast, and couldn’t jump. However, Bird may be the toughest, fiercest competitor to ever grace the NBA. Bird would do everything asked of him to win. He would defend, he would post up, he was an exceptional jump shooter, he was a great passer, and he was incredibly clutch. Bird led the Celtics to three championships.
6) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s unblockable sky hooks and his impressive shot-blocking registered him as the greatest center of the late 1970’s and 1980’s. While not particularly strong, Abdul-Jabbar was graceful and smart at setting up his low post moves and his help defense.
7) Wilt Chamberlain
“The Big Dipper” should be higher on the list because he was phenomenally gifted. He once scored 100 points in a game, was a dominating scorer and shot blocker, and was simply unstoppable by anybody not named Bill Russell. However, Chamberlain was selfish, had trust issues with teammates and coaches, and wasn’t clutch. Still, his prodigious numbers, achievements, and the fact that he twice was able to capture titles leaves him unable to be omitted from the list.
8) Tim Duncan
Duncan may be the best passing big man who’s ever played the game and is the consummate winner. His banked jumpers are automatic, and he’s indefensible in the post one-on-one. Duncan’s supreme intelligence, his masterful help defense, and his plethora of clutch plays have led the Spurs to four championships.
9) Shaquille O’Neal
In O’ Neal’s prime, nobody had the bulk to stop him from destroying opposing front lines. In his first 11 year in the NBA, Shaq only averaged less than 26 points per game in his rookie year. Shaq led the Los Angeles Lakers to three titles and captured a fourth with the Miami Heat. However, an inability to defend quicker players, and a refusal to get in shape have curtailed Shaq’s chances to win more titles and to be higher on the list.
10) Kobe Bryant
When he’s on, Kobe is a scoring machine who doubles as a lockdown defender. His athleticism makes spectacular plays look routine, and he’ll score from any spot on the court. Kobe’s won three rings in his career, though his desire to be a team’s number one option broke up a chance for more. Unlike anyone else on the list, Kobe is still in the prime of his career and future successes will give him the ability to move up on the list.
Honorable Mention: Julius Erving, Oscar Robertson, Bob Cousy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen
Dave Finnochio
There's no perfect criteria or building a list of greatest players that spans multiple generations. Let's just say that I took the following into account:
- Ability to win championships
- Stats (career and individual seasons)
- Relative dominance in respective era
- Innovative contributions to the game
- Individual Offensive Skills
- Individual Defensive Skills
- Toughness
- If someone put a gun to my head and said "pick a team to win a basketball game", would I want them on my team
That being said, for the most part, I'll skip the player-by-play justifications, and let my list stand for itself. See you in the comment threads:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Larry Bird
3. Magic Johnson
4. Oscar Robertson
5. Bill Russell
6. Wilt Chamberlain
7. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
8. Shaquille O'Neal
9. Tim Duncan
10. Kobe Bryant
Two bits of commentary on Bryant (as he's in many ways the focal point of this discussion)
1. How did Kobe find his way into the top 10?
I was pretty set on my top 9. Bryant as of right now is a distant 10.
I truly believe that the light bulb came on for Kobe this summer while playing for the Olympic team. Where I used to see a lone gunman, I now see a leader and a winner. You never know for sure, but I really like his odds of being on this list in 10 years as well...right below a guy named Lebron.
He has three championships. When he's on offensively, he's the best scorer in league history.
2. Dave Finocchio's core differences between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan (sponsored by Staples):
-Kobe has much, much better range.
-Kobe is more creative on the perimeter
-Jordan had much more creativity in the paint
-Jordan was much, much tougher (imagine Kobe growing up playing against the bad boy Pistons' teams)
-Jordan was a much better team defender
-Jordan was a better athlete (not to take anything away from Kobe's athleticism, but Jordan was one notch above)
-Jordan had more focus as a scorer (especially late in his career). He got the ball in spots where he knew he could score...and dominated. Kobe is more all over the place.
-Jordan's will to win probably qualified him for the insane asylum. His legendary competitiveness is unmatchable...nothing Kobe can do about this.
Honorable Mention (in no particular order): Bob Cousy, Scottie Pippen, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Jerry West
Just Missed (in no particular order): Elgin Baylor, Karl Malone, Elvin Hayes, Walt Fraizer, LeBron James
Dave Metrick
Putting together a list of the NBA’s Top Ten players of all-time is a little like becoming Britney Spear’s therapist. It’s an unenviable task that once completed, will ultimately leave many people unsatisfied and ashamed.
Basically, I based my list on statistical achievements, impact on the league and winning. Of course, comparing eras is difficult (especially when you’re not alive during some of them) and my top ten is probably too heavy with players from the last twenty-five years. So, if you’re old, you’re probably not going to like my list.
Honorable Mention (in no particular order):
Kobe Bryant – A ridiculous scorer who can do just about everything on the basketball court… except co-exits with Shaq.
Moses Malone – A dominate scorer, rebounder, and three-time MVP.
Bob Cousy – The first superstar point guard and a guy with a lot of rings. Plus, he was great in Blue Chips.
Jerry West – Mr. Clutch. They put his likeness on the NBA logo for a reason.
Elgin Baylor – Before he became GM of the NBA’s most pathetic franchise, he was the real deal.
My Top Ten
10. Karl Malone – If you were asked to create a power forward, you’d create Karl Malone. The rugged Malone is the second leading all-time scorer and possesses two MVP awards.
9. Tim Duncan – He’s not flashy or loud, but he’s one of the best ever. This two time MVP has quietly and consistently put up solid numbers while leading the San Antonio Spurs to perennial greatness and four NBA championships… and counting.
8. Hakeem Olajuwon – The perfect combination of grace and power. The Dream could score, rebound and shut you down on the defensive end. He led the Rockets to championship glory by outplaying two future Hall of Famers – Patrick Ewing and Shaquille O’Neal.
7. Larry Bird – Larry Legend’s reputation and flowing blonde hair should precede him at this point. If I have to explain to you why he’s on this list, then you don ‘t know much about basketball.
6. Oscar Robertson – His career numbers are staggering. Statistically, he’s the best all around player ever and the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double.
5. Bill Russell – The greatest winner in NBA history, taking home eleven championships with the Boston Celtics. He also managed to take home five MVP trophies… which is nice.
4. Wilt Chamberlain – The most physically dominant big man ever (sorry Shaq). In addition to great rebounding and scoring numbers (on the court and off of it), he was also a tremendous passer, averaging 8.6 a game in ’67-’68.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - In a word, prolific. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer, six MVP awards, six Championship rings, nineteen all-star appearances… not to mention, most unique and unstoppable shot in the history of basketball, the Sky Hook. Plus, he was great in Airplane.
2. Michael Jordan – His Airness is probably most people’s choice for #1. And maybe he deserves to be there (we’ll get to that in a minute). Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last 25 years, you know about MJ. You know about his high flying and high scoring. You know about his legendary competitiveness, his six championships and his five MVP awards. And you might have seen him in a commercial or two. He is what every youngster dribbling a basketball aspires to be. However…
1. Earvin “Magic” Johnson – One of my biggest problems with lists like these is that everyone and their mother puts Jordan on top of the list and shouts down everyone who has a differing opinion. MJ might be the best player ever. But in no way, shape, or form is he the hands down, undisputable number one. Which is why I submit to you, my choice: Magic Johnson.
Consider the following…Magic won his five championships during the best decade the NBA has ever seen. In addition, Magic led his team to the Finals four additional times. That’s nine Finals appearances in a 12 year career! (not including his comeback year, of course.) That’s domination from wire to wire.
And Magic achieved this greatness against far better teams than MJ faced. If you think the NBA wasn’t watered down by the expansion of the ‘90s, you’re flat out crazy. If you think any of the teams the Bulls faced in the Finals were better than the Celtics of the ‘80s, you’re flat out crazy.
In addition, Magic Johnson is often credited with the following: Resurrecting Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s career, being the best passer in NBA history, redefining the point guard position, being the only non-center who could utterly dominate a game without scoring, and lest we forget, saving the NBA (along with Larry Bird).
Without Magic there is no MJ. There may have been a basketball player named Michael Jordan, but he wouldn’t have been the household name and global icon we know MJ as today. For that to happen, Magic had to come first. Thus he is my number one.
Jordan Holz
Here's my list of the top 10 players of all time (my knowledge of old NBA players isn't great, so there might be a few more recent guys than other people have)
In no particular order:
1. Magic Johnson
2. Michael Jordan
3. Larry Bird
4. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
5. Bill Russell
6. Oscar Robertson
7. Wilt Chamberlain
8. Kobe Bryant
9. Tim Duncan
10. Julius Erving
Andrew Ungvari
In coming up with my list of the top-ten players of all-time, I considered four factors—championships, statistics, how they redefined their position and whether or not they could have succeeded in any era and not just the one they played in.
1. Michael Jordan
Timing is everything. When Michael Jordan came into the NBA the best players in the NBA were either at the end of or in the middle of their respective primes. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were already NBA champs and seasoned veterans. Guys like Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Moses Malone had all seen their best days already.
As a result, MJ was able to thrive once those players had left the game and all that was left for him to be compared to were the guys that came into the league either with him or after him. Instead of going up against the Dr. J’s Sixers, Bird’s Celtics or the Showtime Lakers, MJ won his rings against a Laker team that started Vlade Divac, a Blazers squad with Clyde Drexler and Kevin Duckworth, a Suns team with Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, a Sonics team with Jim McIlvaine as it’s starting center, and the Utah Jazz.
While all of those teams that MJ beat en route to his 6 titles were very good, not one of them could be compared to those Sixers, Lakers and Celtics teams from the 80s.
So why is MJ number 1 on my list? Because of all the guys you could compare him to, none were as good on both ends of the court or had the ability to dominate the game from the guard position. The fact that he was able to win titles with Bill Cartwright and Luc Longley starting at center tells you all you need to know.
2. Bill Russell
Eleven rings. At 6’9” and playing center, Russell was the consummate teammate. He won five MVPs in his career, with the first and last one being won 7 years apart. His athleticism and basketball IQ are unparalleled. Russell won two championships as a player-coach. If Russell played today, he’d still be considered one of the best to ever play the game because of his timeless ability and desire.
3. Oscar Robertson
Everyone knows that Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season. What people don’t remember is that he came within one-tenth of a rebound per game of doing it twice. Robertson can take a slice of credit for all of the point guards that came after him. He redefined the position. He was a 6’5” point guard. Without Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson is probably a power forward.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
The Big Dipper was 7’1” and an athletic marvel. He was a 4-time MVP and even led the league in assists one year. He averaged more than seventeen rebounds in a season nine times in his career. He was First-Team All-NBA nine times as well. He is the only player in NBA history to average more than 40 and 50 points-per-game for an entire season.
5. Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Easily the most gifted player in NBA history, Magic was a 6’9” point guard who led the Lakers to five NBA titles. Each of those titles came against a team that is considered one of the greatest of all-time. He was the NBA Finals’ MVP as a rookie. In the deciding Game 6, Magic started at center and scored 42 points, and had 15 rebounds and 7 assists.
6. Larry Bird
The only reason Bird isn’t ahead of Magic is because Magic has the edge in head-to-head match-ups. Both played with some of the greatest teams ever so it’s hard to discount that Magic beat bird both in the NCAA championship game as well in two of their three NBA Finals’ meetings. Bird finished with two fewer titles than Magic as well.
But that doesn’t take anything away from Bird. He was as good of an inside/outside player the NBA has ever seen. He could get his shot off whenever he wanted to and his outside shot was a thing of beauty. He made all of his teammates better and thrived in the biggest games. He had a killer instinct like none other. He averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists as a small forward, despite not really being athletic.
7. Karl Malone
If not for Michael Jordan, Karl Malone would have two championship rings. Malone played 19 seasons in the NBA and averaged 20 or more points in all of them except his first and his last. For the first 18 seasons of his career, he never missed more than 2 games in a season. He averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds for his career. What makes the Mailman so remarkable was how his game evolved from a power player early in his career to a finesse player towards the last third of it. For a position that has seen some of the best player of all time, Malone was the greatest of them all.
8. Kobe Bryant
From the second he stepped on an NBA court, Bryant was compared to Michael Jordan. Even though both he and MJ tried to stop the comparisons you couldn’t help but do it. The problem with Bryant is that a lot of people don’t like him. When you’re unpopular people tend to refrain from giving you the benefit of the doubt so they come up with creative ways to make you look bad. People would much rather say that he hasn’t won anything without Shaq than say he took a team that started Smush Parker and Kwame Brown to the playoffs in a dominant conference. They would much rather say he was selfish for scoring 81 points in a game instead of admitting he did it because his team was down by 18 points in the second half.
I’ve never seen an athlete more scrutinized. I’ve never seen anyone in any field constantly compared to the best there ever was in that particular area. So instead of people saying he’s no MJ, what they should be saying is that he’s the closest thing to him. In that context we can truly appreciate how competitive and exemplary his career has been. When you consider he hasn’t turned 30 yet, it’s even more remarkable. There are players who live for the roar of the crowd, and there are a few others, like Kobe, who live to shut the opposing crowd up. Perhaps that’s why he’s so hated.
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In addition to being the league’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem is third in total rebounds and blocks and 31st in assists. He was an All-Star 19 times.
He was a six-time champion and won six MVPs in his career. He played for twenty seasons and averaged more than 25 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks per game for his entire career.
10. John Havlicek
Hondo won 8 NBA titles in 16 seasons. He is considered one of the NBA’s greatest defensive players. He was such a great athlete that he was also drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play wide receiver. He was a 13-time All-Star and averaged close to 21 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds for his career.
Honorable Mention: Shaquille O’Neal, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Jerry West, Bob Cousy
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3 months ago
Awesome job, guys. You all argue so well, it's hard to decide for myself.
Also, thank you to the people that explained their HM as well.
Nice compiling work Michael!
3 months ago
What about The Answer?
First off, the man is an outstanding player. No one can run the court like he can and still have enough to take him through the entire game. His handles are ridiculous. No one has EVER played the game with as much heart as he does. I'm so disgusted that most of ya'll picked Shaq over Iverson. And Lebron as a "near miss", pshh.
please stay tuned, ill have n article up soon bout one of the greatest shooting guards to ever play the game!
from 3 months ago
The Answer is one of my favorite guards of all time. He has to be the toughest player I have ever watched on the court, battling through injuries and playing against guys six inches taller than him on a regular basis.
Furthermore: he came into the league with a (often exaggerated, but still evident) selfish attitude, and has since become a totally team-first guy. It's been a real pleasure seeing Allen mature over the years both on and off the court.
At the peak of his career, his athleticism was simply jaw dropping; his crossover unstoppable.
That said: he doesn't quite crack the top 10 (or the top 15). I mean, who would you replace him with? We've got some heavy hitters on this list Steph.
Iverson over Shaq? There's just no way—Shaq has led three different teams to the NBA finals and has a career field goal percentage nearly TWO POINTS HIGHER than Iverson's.
Iverson's career field goal percentage is his biggest weakness on any list like this. To be fair though, he played the majority of his career with an extremely weak supporting cast, thus he was forced to take shots he probably wouldn't have on other, better teams.
All things considered, I'd say Iverson is in the 20-25 range on the all time greats list. Right about where Kobe is in my opinion (though unlike Iverson, Kobe will probably retire a top 10).
As for the King: when will people consider the fact that playing only three full seasons in the NBA makes it WAY too early to call you an all time great?
from 3 months ago
If we're talking Shaq of old, maybe. But AI should have at least gotten some recognition. You can't include Shaq and kobe without AI and Melo. But then again, there are some that are still stuck in the past.
from 3 months ago
Carmello Anthony has absolutely NO place on a top ten all time NBA players list. What has he ever done in his career to deserve such an honor?
3 months ago
Shaq has won four championships while leading two franchises to the Finals and being a second option a third franchise's trip to the Finals.
Iverson has had one season in his career where his teams have won more than 50 games.
Shaq in his prime was unstoppable in the post. He was an above average passer, and because of his girth, he was an above-average rebounder, defender, and screen-setter just by existing.
Plus Shaq always improved his teammates when he was in the lineup.
Meanwhile, Iverson still massages the ball, still looks to score first, still has his annoying habit of penetrating too far and jumping to pass (which leads to a number of turnovers), and when he isn't selling out for steals, he isn't doing anything defensively.
Because he needs the ball so much, he inhibits team play, whereas Shaq cut and passed diligently in Phil Jackson's Triangle offense.
Iverson is a very talented player for sure, but you know how many very talented players there are in the league? Chris Paul, David West, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, Shane Battier, Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and that's just one division.
I'm not saying that all of those players are "better" than Iverson, but what has Iverson done to place him on a list of all time greats besides shake-and-bake and score.
Besides, if you want the best handles and scoring, go look up Pete Maravic and put him on the list for some of the incomprehensable things he could do with a basketball.
Since I want the best players of all time, I want the Diesel on my list.
from 3 months ago
Erick, I applaud you for putting George Mikan on the list. All the others completely ignored him when in fact, he was the poster child that made the game what it is today
from 3 months ago
Because he's from so long ago, nobody really knows who Mikan is. I had no idea who he was until his death and the number of glowing tributes to him, led by Shaq's beautiful gesture to pay for his entire funeral. He's the reason why the NBA is a big man's game.
from 3 months ago
George Mikan is a basketball legend and one of the most important players in the history of the game—but I don't think he faced fierce enough competition for us to accurately access his abilities.
Let's also not forget that he only played in the NBA for six years. That in my eyes automatically disqualifies him unless the years that he did play had never been matched, which is simply not the case.
Furthermore I feel there's a big difference between pioneers and the greatest players of all time. Just because you are important to the history of the game doesn't mean you automatically make the list.
Is Roger Maris one of the greatest baseball players of all time? Is Joe Namath one of the greatest football players of all time?
from 3 months ago
I agree with Zander 100% about Mikan. No disrespect to Mikan, but he simply isn't a top 10 great or even an HM.
from 3 months ago
Well, in those six years he led his team to five championships. That's pretty incredible in my eyes.
3 months ago
Personally, I think John Stockton deserves a bit more respect.
from 3 months ago
I do too Lisa.
Stockton wasn't ever dominating enough to make the top ten, but he surely was consistent enough for an honorable mention. I'm quite disapointed that I'm the only one who put him in the top 15.
Seriously guys: how did three of you end up with Cousy over Stockton? This is a clear example of a flash-in-the-pan fan favorite being highly overrated because he played in a major media market alongside a dominating supporting cast.
Cousy had the benefit of playing with the best team in all the land, and his stats fall far short of Stockton's. Stockton is the better defender and the more effective passer.
Sure, Cous could do a lot of amazing things with a basketball. But John Stockton made everyone around him better and had a much lengthier career.
Another player some of you are definitely overrating is Julius Erving. If you're gonna put him on the list then Pistol Pete should be added as well.
I mean: is this a Roundtable for the Top Ten NBA showmen of all time, or the best overall players? Being popular and capable of dazzling dunks and fancy tricks with the ball is nice and all, but it's not exactly linked with your overall value to a team...
Thanks to everyone who took part in this!
from 3 months ago
Yea, stock was definitely top 15 material. You two got it exactly right
from 3 months ago
You're probably right about Stockton over Cousy. I didn't give much effort to my honorable mention candidates. I don't even think Pippen should be on there. I just wanted to get championship winners with the honorable mentions as well, with the exception of Robertson, whose numbers and talents were off the charts.
from 3 months ago
There is no doubt that Stockton is an all-time great, but in my opinion, he's not a top 10 player. If we were talking top 10 point guards, then Stock would definitely make the list.
3 months ago
Top Ten NBA Players of All Time, According to the Round Table Consensus, golf style (#1 on a list = 1 point, #2 on a list = 2 points, #10 on a list = 10 points...honorable mention = 12 points, not listed = 15 points)
1) Michael Jordan (8)
2) Magic Johnson (14)
3) Larry Bird (24)
4) Bill Russell (25)
5) Kareem Abdul Jabbar (30)
6) Wilt Chamberlain (34)
7) Oscar Robertson (42)
8) Tim Duncan (55)
9) Kobe Bryant (65)
10) Shaquille O'Neal (66)
Honorable Mentions: Hakeem Olajawon (71), Jerry West (75), Karl Malone (76), Bob Cousy (81), Julius Erving (82)
3 months ago
1.Michael Jordan
2.Kobe Bryant - Where he'll be at the end of his career should he win more 'ships.
3.Magic Johnson
4.Wilt Chamberlain
5.Oscar Robertson
6.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
7.Larry Bird
8.Julius Earvin
9.Tim Duncan
10.Bill Russell
3 months ago
also, name me one guy in this list who got more or equal talent than Kobe besides MJ!!!!
from 3 months ago
Obviously Ralph most of them think that 8 other guys on this list have more talent than Kobe or they all would have consistently ranked him higher. I lean toward Michael's list here. I am somewhat suprised that Hakeem Olajawon did not make anyone's top ten. I think he is one of the most pure players in the game. His abilites set a precendent for center's that followed him. Perhaps I am just biased...I remember him very fondly. He was one heck of a player to watch in person! Great compilation here Michael!
3 months ago
but Heather, Kobe can pretty do much anything the guy "above" him can, if not better. Talent wise, i dont see anybody besides MJ equal or better than Kobe. But i do think kobe had the advantage in watching countless films of those guys. hey....blame technology for that!!
Still right now, I'd say kobe is placed about right(8th). But when it's all said and done(barring major injuries), kobe will be right up there at #2.
from 3 months ago
I put Kobe at 10 because he still has plenty of basketball to play. When it's all said and done, he will definitely be in the top three.
from 3 months ago
I agree. I didn't mean to doubt Kobe's skills. He is one heck of a player and to some is even better than MJ. I agree with you that he has plenty of ball to play and he will crack the top five in just a few short seasons. I was simply trying to answer your question. :)
3 months ago
Honestly I can't believe that I'm the only one who left Kobe off the list entirely. This idea that he was somehow TOO LOW on the majority of these lists is nothing short of absurd.
He's just not far enough along yet. Yes, he's amazingly talented. Yes, he's got the Lakers in a good spot right now. Yes, he's got better range than Jordan, as Mr. Finocchio points out (so does Reggie Miller, Tim Hardaway, Dale Ellis, and a host of other long range gunners for that matter).
But let's call a spade to spade: Kobe Bryant has never won a single MVP award, and until this season has never proven himself to be a genuine leader the way guys like Michael, Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Bill Russell did throughout their entire careers.
If five years from now Kobe has won a few more rings and continued to dominate, we can start talking about him in the top 10. Until then, let's show some respect for those who dominated their respective eras to a far larger degree and were better for much longer.
3 months ago
Outraged that no has Oakland native Bill Russell at the top of their list.
3 months ago
Good debate fellas. Everyone's opinion will be different depending on age. I'm happy to see the names Jerry West, George Mikan, Bill Russell mentioned with all the players who were listed. I feel that when Kobe Bryant's career is over he will be on the above mention list. Although he hasn't won and MVP award as of yet he will be on this list when his career is over. The MVP ommission shouldn't hold him back from that as the MVP awrd has turned into more of a popularity contest then selecting the Most Valuable Player.
3 months ago
Don't think I didn't consider every name that people have mentioned that weren't on my list. I love AI but this isn't about pound-for-pound. It's all-time. AI and Carmelo have no business on any top-ten list. I love John Stockton but his career was more about consistency than it was about dominance. Although that makes him an HOFer, it doesn't make him top-10 or top-15. Olajuwon was the last name I took off the list. I replaced him with Cousy because without Cousy, there's no Oscar and without Oscar there's no Magic.
As for Mikan, I'm currently writing a movie where Mikan is one of the central characters. This was a guy that when he went to New York to play the Knicks the marquee said GEORGE MIKAN vs. N.Y. KNICKS. But I've seen twenty minutes of his entire career. How can I judge him on that? It's funny that Mikan almost gave up on basketball and became a priest.
As for Shaq being an honorable mention, it's because I've been a Laker season ticket holder since 1989. I saw all but maybe ten of Shaq's home games between 1996-2004. In my opinion, he's the game's greatest underachiever. Never was a player more physically gifted. The fact that he coasted through the regular season and only won 1 regular season MVP speaks to how much he underachieved.
You can also make the same argument for Shaq that I made for MJ. When Shaq came into the league, not only were the league's best centers on their way out, but the best 7-footers coming into the league played power forward instead of center.
I'm surprised that only one other person had Karl Malone in their top-10. I think that power forwards for the most part are underrated because people value the center more.
Zander-to say that Kobe has never been a genuine leader is absurd. He played on veteran teams where nobody would have accepted him as a leader and didn't become his team's elder until these past three seasons. The strongest argument you can make for Kobe is that he was arguably the MVP of all four Western Conference Finals he participated in. In those three where the Lakers won the title, the Conference Finals were the true Finals considering that each opponent was a better team than any of the three they faced in the Finals. Portland in 2000, San Antonio in 2001 and Sacramento in 2002 were all better than the Pacers, Sixers or Nets.
In 2000 against the Blazers, Kobe had 25 points, 11 boards and 7 assists in Game 7.
In 2001 against the Spurs, Kobe had 45 points, 10 boards and 3 assists in Game 1; 28, 7 and 6 in Game 2; 36, 9 and 8 in Game 3; 24, 2 boards and 11 assists in Game 4.
In 2002 against the Kings, he had 30, 10 boards and 7 assists in Game 7.
If the consensus is that MJ is the greatest ever. And Kobe is the closest thing the game has seen to him, then you can definitely make the case he belongs in the top 10.
Like I said, Kobe is the only guy in any profession who is only compared only to the greatest in that field. Nobody ever says "Jonas Salk was a great scientist. He invented the vaccine for Polio. But he's no Einstein."
Why is it that people always say Kobe never won without Shaq but nobody ever says Jordan never won without Pippen?
Sean-at least I had Russell 2nd.
from 3 months ago
"Why is it that people always say Kobe never won without Shaq but nobody ever says Jordan never won without Pippen?"
Well, probably because Pippen was a mere role player compared to MJ and Shaq was unstoppable (and dominant before we knew who Kobe was) for a bulk of his career. Maaaaybe we can have this discussion when Kobe is on the brink of retirement but comparing him to guys who already established themselves among the greatest ever is premature and typical Laker fan jibber jabber. If you want to factor in attitude and occasionally (and purposely) tanking at every level, Kobe doesn't even crack the top 10. What's keeping Lebron from trouncing Kobe in a few years? Don't give me this, "Oh, his ability to shoot the mid-range jumper is questionable" crap. He's younger than basically everyone who posted on this article. He has more ability right now and a way higher ceiling. Do you think Kobe contributes 100% this year if the Lakers don't steal Gasol for a ham sandwich? Do you think he gives his all if Shaq doesn't reach his prime with the Lakers? The only reason we compare Kobe to any of the legends is cause we forgot how dominant these guys were. Sports fans have a short memory.
from 3 months ago
Wow, John. I've seen some stupid and idiotic things written on this website but never have I seen so many in one post.
"Pippen was a mere role player compared to MJ?"
WHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT?
"Shaq was unstoppable and dominant before we knew who Kobe was?"
For starteres, Shaq played three years in the league before he teamed up with Kobe. HE made it to the Finals in the East when Jordan was out of the league and was humiliated by Hakeem in the Finals. He was so dominant and unstoppable that he couldn't win a game in the Finals and then got swept in the playoffs the following season.
"Comparing Kobe to guys who are already established?"
Are you saying that after 11 seasons Kobe isn't established?
You want to factor in attitude? Could there have ever been more moody players than Wilt or Kareem?
Kareem was such an a-hole that he had to coach on an Indian Reservation because no NBA team would give him a job.
Kobe, tanked at every level, John?
What are you talking about? You sound like a jilted ex-lover. Are you referring to his rec-league days? He only played on two levels and won championships on both. Are you referring to two games in the NBA when he allegedly froze out teammates? Were you referring to ridiculous allegations Phil Jackson made that he'd heard Kobe let his high school team go down by huge deficits so he could make dramatic comebacks? Allegations that Kobe's high school coach vehemently denied and laughed at.
Who is talking about LeBron? Why did you even bring his name up? If you want to compare Kobe and LeBron there are about 98 other articles on BR where you can have that discussion. If you're trying to say that LeBron is currently better than Kobe ever was then I know everything I need to know about your knowledge of basketball.
"Do I think Kobe gives 100% this year if the Lakers don't get Gasol?"
Let's see: The Lakers were 25-11 at the time of the Bynum injury and before the Gasol trade. I'm pretty sure he gave 100% in those games.
"Do I think he gives his all if Shaq doesn't reach his prime with the Lakers?"
No, John. I think he only gives one-eighth. What type of stupid question is that?
The only reason we compare Kobe to any of the legends has nothing to do with short memories and everything to do with the fact that every player in the NBA lists Kobe as the game's best player, including your boyfriend, LeBron.
John, with each statement above you made yourself look more and more like an ass. If you wanna have an argument, you should leave your personal feelings about Kobe aside and provide me with something tangible. Instead of dismissing LeBron's shortcomings or referring to legitimate evidence as Laker fan jibber-jabber, you should go back and watch the playoffs from 1998-2004. If you stopped hating for a second, you'd realize that you slept on one of the NBA's greatest players.
I should have just stopped reading when you said Scottie Pippen was a mere role player.
How old are you, John?
from 3 months ago
How old am I? I was going to ask the same once I got to chapter 12 of your novel you call a response. Leave the name calling out of it. We're talking about Kobe here. I didn't insult your family but now I kinda feel like I need to as some sort of retaliation. It says you're 31 on your profile and you're asking me how old I am? You basically wrote a love letter to Kobe above. Seriously, LOOK AT WHAT YOU WROTE. READ IT ALOUD. It's pure man-love.
Look, it's obvious you're a Laker fan and vehemently defending YOUR boyfriend. So, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you're a tad bias. I feel like I'm debating with Jack Nicholson cause your answer was so coked out. Why didn't you just write this article in the first place declaring your love for Kobe? Wouldn't that save time instead of filling up the message board with your know-it-all bullshit?
I won't pour more fuel on the fire by defending my claims that you conveniently twisted to cement Kobe as the hands-down best ever to play a sport. Your blood pressure is through the roof at this point. Deep breaths.
It's clear by the tone of your furious argument that you've risen above other's opinions and the game of basketball as a whole. Aren't you a little old for blogging at this point? At what age will you discover that all the lengthy and arrogant comments you posted proved nothing other than the fact you have waaay too much time on your hands?
from 3 months ago
If you think that my response was a novel, then I can only imagine your reading level, John. For starters, I never called you a name. I called your statements idiotic but never called you a name.
I asked you how old you were because anyone who thinks Scottie Pippen was a mere role player or that Kobe Bryant isn't established after 11 years was probably 6 years old when Pippen won his first title and can't remember a time when the internet didn't exist.
I had Kobe listed 8th on my list. You're acting like I had him first. Please tell me which part of my post comes off as a love letter. I'm not denying that I'm a Laker fan but while you see that as me being biased I see that as being someone who formed his opinion based on an entire body of work.
Please add more fuel to the fire, John. I would love nothing more than to hear you defend your claims. Believe me, I can handle it. And please tell me how old you are since you consider 31 old. My blood pressure isn't through the roof. I'm not the one that "almost threw up in his mouth" because of something he read on a message board.
At what age will I discover that my comments prove nothing other than the fact that I have way too much time on my hands? It'll probably happen when I can no longer run circles around you while doing 13 other things simultaneously.
It would do what little credibility you have left some good if you actually took some time to explain yourself. Take a look at some of the things you wrote instead of actually defending your comments:
-"I think Wilt got screwed on all of your lists. Don't think I need to list his accomplishments"
-"I won't pour more fuel on the fire by defending my claims"
I didn't ask your age as a way of implying I think your comments were juvenile. I asked because I wanna know how credible you are. If you were born between 1985 and 1990 then I can see where you're coming from.
You'd think two months would be enough to recover from watching your football team post the biggest choke job in NFL history. Apparently you've still got a lot of anger in you. Go cool off. Maybe there's another "novel" you could read to calm you down, like a Chinese restaurant take-out menu or the back of Jacoby Ellsbury's baseball card.
3 months ago
This is definitely one of the best articles posted which is stirring great debate. Well done, gents!
3 months ago
I am totally shocked that no one has Isiah Thomas as a top 10 player or an honorable mention. If it weren't for Magic, this guy would've been the best PG of the 80s. WOW! I am at awe.
3 months ago
Doesn't Wilt deserve more respect?
This guy AVERAGED 50 points and 20 rebounds for a season.
I don't care what era you played in, 50 points a game is still 50 freakin' points a game.
from 3 months ago
Yeah, but Wilt was mentally fragile, moody, never bought into any team-wide system of play, and was more concerned with his stats and his reputation than with being a winner. If Andrew claims that Shaq was the biggest underacheiver of all time, then Wilt is a close second.
And about Thomas, I placed Stockton and Cousy ahead of him on the list. There was no room for him even on the honorable mention list.
3 months ago
The one reason why put Kobe more in the top 5 is that most of the players on this list(not named JOrdan), doesn't have more NBA honors as Kobe does.
3 months ago
Big O should be second on every1's list because he is the only player who can be mentioned with jordan. and also i hate wen ppl say without this guy so and so would never had existed. thats like saying with out naismith none of these people would even be on the list so that makes naismith the best player ever cuz he created the game
from 3 months ago
There's clearly a difference between saying that without Cousy there would be no Oscar and saying that without Naismith there wouldn't be anybody playing the game. When a guy redefines a position the way that Cousy or Oscar did it means that a 6'9" like Magic had a chance to play point guard when he would have otherwise been typecast as a power forward or center. Elgin Baylor brought the type of creativity to the game that was later seen in Dr. J, MJ and Kobe. Those guys might have become baseball players had it not been for that one player that they grew up trying to imitate.
Google the name Marques Haynes. Magic Johnson cites Haynes and Oscar as his biggest influences.
3 months ago
Frankly, I'm upset no one asked my opinion on this topic.
3 months ago
I think Wilt got screwed on all of your lists. Don't think I need to list his accomplishments, but pure dominance should be factored in. And who, besides Jordan, defined dominance better than Wilt?
from 3 months ago
Pure dominance wins more than 2 championships, and more than one as a centerpiece of a team.
3 months ago
"...there has been a lot of heated debate around Bleacher Report as to whether Kobe Bryant is the greatest player to ever play the game."
Seriously?!? Did a bunch of Laker fans huddle up to debate this absurd topic? Just threw up in my mouth.
3 months ago
1. Wilt
2. Jordan
3. Magic
4. Bird
5. Russell
6. Shaq
7. Oscar
8. Kobe
9. West
10. Hakeem
11. Duncan
12. Malone
13. Barkley
14. David Robinson
3 months ago
Pete maravich is definitely higher than David Robinson or Charles Barkley...
3 months ago
Great arguments for everyone, fun topic. Looks like you guys decided Jordan is the best, and you can make a case for alot of others to follow in any order. One thing I don't get, Michael, is how Magic is your number 2, but you say Kareem is the best Laker ever, but he's your number 6?
from 3 months ago
Good point and good eye. I'll think I'll change that right now.
from 3 months ago
*I think, not I'll think*. Hate looking at my mistakes.
3 months ago
Best Current Players:
1. Kobe
2. Duncan
3. Shaq
4. Nash
5. KG
6. Marion
7. Bosh
8. Vince
9. Dirk
10. Arenas
(looking at each players careers)
from 3 months ago
Trevor, where is LeBron? And eventually, Chris Paul will be top 10. Not yet maybe, but watch out, he's going to be a great one.
3 months ago
Trevor, Look as much as i think Lebron is not the best player in league, Lebron is definitely the #2 best player in league or 1.b.
Marion, Arenas and Vince Carter dont belong in the top 20 best players in the league.
3 months ago
Matt Homdis should read this :D
3 months ago
"Bird is right there with Jordan and Magic as the three greatest players to play the game."
Then why is he listed as No. 4 Michael?
Terrific debate and a great article, I really enjoyed it. Although all are great, I personally don't think Magic was top 5 because of his height advantage. Russell wasn't even the best center ever and he played with a terrific cast. Jordan was tops, no quesiton in my mind. Bird was best given his limited skilss. I never saw Oscar Robertson play but his triple-double stats are incredible. And it's tough to put guys like Malone and Barkley up there because they never won, even though they were great players.
My list for what it's worth:
1. Jordan
2. Wilt
3. Bird
4. West
5. Oscar
6. Jabbar
7. Havelicek (sp?)
8. Russell
9. Magic
10.Shaq
from 3 months ago
Good question. I originally had Bird at No.3, but I changed my mind and ranked Kareem ahead of him.
3 months ago
I just flat out love seeing all of you guys put down your thoughts on the best ever, it's a great thing to see and it really brings up thoughts of how great the game can really be. Thanks for this article.
3 months ago
After watching the ESPN special on the black players and how they were discriminated against for so many years, even when they were finally allowed to play in the NBA, (the quota system of 2 blacks per team). People on the show claimed some of these guys were the best, but we'll never know.
These top 10 things are somewhat suspect especially when you you disregard a persons character off the court. I look at the player as not only what they did on court, but also how they helped the sport grow, their ability to give back, and how they react with the rest of society. There is more to the game then just the game. Where does that list go when you add these considerations?
3 months ago
thanks for the input, but i truly believe LeBron doesn't have enough years behind him to be considered one of the best.
3 months ago
Can't we all agree and just put Bo Jackson in the honorable mention. Seriously, with the exception of public speaking what couldn't Bo do? He probably could have had a career similar to Barkley had he chose to play basketball. In fact, I think Bo Jackson should make honorable mention in every single list of top players in any single sport.
3 months ago
Did I see Reggie Miller on any lists? Moses Malone deserves more respect than he gets. As much as I hate listening to him, Bill Walton was a great player for the Blazers in the 70's.
3 months ago
cmon guys take it easy with the lebron thing. if he continues on this pace for the rest of his career and wins a championship then hel definitely deserve top 10 but at this point its just too early. almost every guy in those lists have won championships. most even have multiple rings except for jerry west and oscar robertson. if u notice most of the guys listed in honorable mention are guys like elgin baylor, karl malone, stockton and barkley who have never won in the finals. until lebron gets a ring the best he deserves is an honorable mention.
from 3 months ago
I agree. In my opinion, he's nowhere near the top 10 yet. He will definitely be there when he hangs it up, but now? Be serious.
3 months ago
thank you
2 months ago
Lebron is no where close to being there yet, but also, for that guy who had magic over Jordan, nowhere even close. Jordan might not have been the most talented of them all but his mind topped them all. The ability to come out in the clutch. Not to mention that when he came into the league he couldnt shoot from the outside, but then rose to the challenge and became one of the best three point shooters in the league at that time. No Michael is by far the best, with Magic second behind him.
2 months ago
Lebron is no where close to being there yet, but also, for that guy who had magic over Jordan, nowhere even close. Jordan might not have been the most talented of them all but his mind topped them all. The ability to come out in the clutch. Not to mention that when he came into the league he couldnt shoot from the outside, but then rose to the challenge and became one of the best three point shooters in the league at that time. No Michael is by far the best, with Magic second behind him.
about 1 month ago
I never saw this article till today....and it's good fun. But I have one problem with it-how can we possibly, this generation, try and compare our recent and modern superstars with the ones from the past? There is no possible way we can compare a Jordan to a Russel, a Magic to a Bryant? What credibility and authority do we have to do that? The best we can come up with, if you're talking about 20-somethings making a list, is coming up with a post-Jordan top 10, or even a post-Chamberlain top 10.
There's no pure, authentic, incomparable barometer....there just isn't. It's all pointless....doesn't matter whoever was the best in history...the players themselves, and the coaches themselves all know, and opine about it. It doesn't matter....for now, for us, let us just enjoy the ones we have....let us relish seeing Kobe, KG, Paul, McGrady, Iverson, etc.
Jordan is history, an unattainable mark, and so is Russell, or even Magic or Bird. Let them be as they are....historic figures. Let's enjoy the present and make them our future immortals. Go guys!
Having said that, this was one tough, action-packed article.....keep up the excellent work, guys!
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