The 100 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time: Nos. 25-1

This article was made after extensive research into 300 candidates' careers. I not only looked at their NBA statistics, but also their ABA statistics if applicable.

I ranked each player based on different stats including but not limited to: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.

I also looked at what their career averages in all these stats were as well to try and equal out quantity and quality.

One of the more difficult areas to compare were stats that weren't around for some of the older players. After I ranked all the players based on stats; I then weighted the categories.

For example, a block is probably not as important as a field goal therefore points were valued higher than blocks.

After I averaged all these out, I then took other variables into account such as championships, leadership skills, and in the end my own opinion.

Even though much of this is based on statistical facts, there is also opinion involved so I'm sure not everyone will agree but hopefully you will enjoy and would love to hear your thoughts.

25. Walt Bellamy

24. Dan Issel

23. Artis Gilmore

22. Elvin Hayes

21. Isiah Thomas

1988: Isiah Thomas #11 of the Detroit Pistons advances the ball during a game in the 1988-1989 NBA season. (Photo by Otto Greule/Getty Images)

20. Bob Pettit

19. Rick Barry

18. Kevin Garnett

BOSTON - DECEMBER 05: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 5, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Trail Blazers 93-78. NOTE TO

17. Kobe Bryant

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowl

16. Hakeem Olajuwon

10 Jun 1994: Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets (center) goes up for two during the NBA finals game against the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport

15. Tim Duncan

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 08: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs takes a shot in the second half against the Boston Celtics on February 8, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Spurs defeated the Celtics 105-99. NOTE TO USER: User expres

14. Jerry West

13. Karl Malone

24 Apr 2000: Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz dunks on Vin Baker #42 of the Seattle Sonics during game 2 of the Western Conference NBA Playoffs at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT

12. Charles Barkley

11. John Havlicek

10. Elgin Baylor

9. Shaquille O'Neal

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 15: Shaquille O'Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter of game five of the 2004 NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan

8. Bill Russell

7. Larry Bird

UNDATED: BOSTON CELTICS FOWARD LARRY BIRD SHOOTS A JUMP SHOT DURING AN NBA GAME. Mandatory Credit: Allsport/ALLSPORT

6. Julius Erving

5. Magic Johnson

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

1989: Center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a hook shot during the Lakers versus Seattle Supersonics game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. Mandatory Credit: Tim DeFrisco/ALLSPORT

3. Oscar Robertson

2. Wilt Chamberlain

1. Michael Jordan

19 May 1998: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during a Eastern Conference Finals game against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pacers 104- 98.