Best players in NBA history

 

Determining the "best" NBA players of all time is subjective and can vary depending on individual preferences and criteria. 

However, here is a list of players who are widely regarded as some of the greatest in NBA history.

#1 Michael Jordan 

A six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, and 14-time All-Star, Jordan is often considered the greatest player of all time. 

His scoring ability, competitiveness, and impact on the game are legendary

Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. 

He grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. In college, he played basketball for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he won the NCAA championship in 1982.

Jordan was selected by the Chicago Bulls as the third overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft.

He quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and competitiveness. 

He played the majority of his career with the Chicago Bulls, winning six NBA championships with the team in the 1990s (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998).

Jordan's list of accolades is extensive. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star, a 10-time scoring champion, a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a six-time NBA Finals MVP. 

He also won two Olympic gold medals with the United States basketball team in 1984 and 1992.

Michael Jordan was known for his exceptional scoring ability, agility, and clutch performances. 

He had a relentless work ethic and a competitive mindset that made him a formidable opponent. Jordan's style of play revolutionized the game and inspired a generation of basketball players.

After winning his sixth NBA championship in 1998, Jordan briefly retired from basketball and pursued a professional baseball career.

However, he returned to the NBA in 2001 and played two seasons for the Washington Wizards before retiring for the final time in 2003.

#2 Lebron James

With four NBA championships, four MVP awards, LeBron James has solidified his place among the all-time greats.

Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, James has consistently dominated the league for over a decade.

LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. He gained national attention as a high school basketball player at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, where he was highly touted and considered one of the best high school players in the country.

LeBron James was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He made an immediate impact in the league, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. 

Throughout his career, James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-2010, 2014-2018), Miami Heat (2010-2014), and Los Angeles Lakers (2018-present).

LeBron James has an extensive list of accomplishments. He has won four NBA championships (2012, 2013 with the Miami Heat, 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers) and has been named NBA Finals MVP four times. He has also been selected to the All-NBA First Team 13 times, won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award four times, and has been selected to the NBA All-Star team 19 times.

LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hold the record for most All-Star Game selections with 19. James holds the record for most consecutive selections (19), most games played (19), and most consecutive games played (19).

LeBron James is known for his versatility and basketball IQ. He has the ability to play and excel in multiple positions, often functioning as a point forward. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and possessing exceptional athleticism, strength, and court vision, James is renowned for his scoring, passing, rebounding, and defensive abilities.

#3 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The NBA's second all-time leading scorer, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and six MVP awards during his illustrious career. 

His unstoppable skyhook and longevity make him one of the greatest centers in history.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. He played high school basketball in New York and then attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). At UCLA, he had an illustrious college career, leading the team to three consecutive NCAA championships (1967, 1968, and 1969) and winning three consecutive NCAA Player of the Year awards.

Abdul-Jabbar was selected as the first overall pick in the 1969 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. 

He played for the Bucks from 1969 to 1975 and then for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1975 to 1989. During his NBA career, Abdul-Jabbar won a total of six NBA championships (1971 with the Bucks, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988 with the Lakers).

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was known for his dominant inside scoring ability and his signature "skyhook" shot, which was nearly impossible to block. 

Standing at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters), his height and agility made him a formidable force on both ends of the court. He was also an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker.

Abdul-Jabbar's list of accolades is extensive. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points and has been selected to the NBA All-Star team 19 times. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award a record six times and was selected to the All-NBA First Team 10 times. He was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

#4 Magic Johnson

As the leader of the "Showtime" Lakers, Johnson won five NBA championships and was a three-time MVP. His exceptional passing skills and basketball instincts revolutionized the point guard position.

Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He gained national attention as a high school basketball player and went on to play college basketball for Michigan State University. In 1979, he led the Michigan State Spartans to the NCAA championship, earning the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

Magic Johnson was selected as the first overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. 

He immediately made an impact in the league, showcasing his exceptional court vision, passing skills, and versatility.

Johnson played his entire NBA career with the Lakers from 1979 to 1991 and then made a brief comeback in 1996.

Magic Johnson was known for his extraordinary passing ability, basketball IQ, and leadership on the court. 

Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters), he had the unique ability to play multiple positions, often transitioning between point guard, shooting guard, and forward. 

His flashy style of play and ability to make pinpoint passes earned him the nickname "Magic."

Magic Johnson's list of accomplishments is impressive. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. 

He was selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times and won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award three times. 

He also earned three NBA Finals MVP awards and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

#5 Kobe Bryant

A five-time NBA champion, Bryant was a prolific scorer and relentless competitor. His dedication to the game and his ability to perform in clutch moments earned him a place among the all-time greats.

Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He entered the NBA directly from high school, being selected as the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft. 

However, he was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played his entire 20-year NBA career from 1996 to 2016.

Kobe Bryant was known for his exceptional scoring ability, competitiveness, and work ethic. 

He had a versatile offensive game, being able to score from anywhere on the court with his precise shooting, footwork, and ability to create his own shot. 

Bryant was also a tenacious defender, earning several NBA All-Defensive Team selections.

Bryant's list of accomplishments is extensive. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. 

He was selected to the NBA All-Star team 18 times, tied for the most in NBA history. Bryant won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2008 and earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. He retired as the Lakers' all-time leading scorer.

Kobe Bryant was known for his relentless work ethic and dedication to the game of basketball. He coined the term "Mamba Mentality," which represented his relentless pursuit of greatness and the mindset of constant improvement. He was admired for his unwavering focus, resilience, and determination on and off the court

#6 Shaquille O'Neal 

A dominant force in the paint, O'Neal won four NBA championships and was a three-time Finals MVP. His combination of size, strength, and agility made him nearly unstoppable in his prime.

Shaquille O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey. He played college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he had a standout career and was named the College Player of the Year in 1991.

O'Neal was selected as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. 

He played for several teams throughout his NBA career, including the Orlando Magic (1992-1996), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), Miami Heat (2004-2008), Phoenix Suns (2008-2009), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2010), and Boston Celtics (2010-2011).

Shaquille O'Neal was known for his immense size and strength, standing at 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) and weighing over 300 pounds (136 kilograms) during his playing career. 

He used his size and power to dominate opponents in the paint, often overpowering defenders with his dunking ability and physicality. O'Neal was also a solid rebounder and shot-blocker.

O'Neal's list of accomplishments is impressive. He won four NBA championships, winning three consecutive titles with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001, and 2002) and one with the Miami Heat

(2006). He was selected to the NBA All-Star team 15 times and was named the NBA Finals MVP three times. O'Neal also won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2000.

#7 Larry Bird 

A 12-time All-Star, Bird won three NBA championships and was a three-time MVP. He was known for his fierce competitiveness, clutch shooting, and versatility as a forward.

Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He grew up in a small town and developed a love for basketball at an early age. Bird played college basketball for Indiana State University, leading the team to the NCAA championship game in 1979, where they lost to Magic Johnson's Michigan State team.

Bird was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, but he delayed joining the NBA until 1979. 

He played his entire NBA career with the Celtics from 1979 to 1992. Bird quickly made an impact in the league, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1980.

Larry Bird was known for his exceptional shooting, basketball IQ, versatility, and competitiveness. 

He had a smooth shooting stroke and was one of the best shooters in NBA history. Bird possessed a high basketball IQ and was an outstanding passer. 

He could play multiple positions and was effective both inside the paint and on the perimeter.

Bird's list of accomplishments is impressive. He won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics in 1981, 1984, and 1986. Bird was selected to the NBA All-Star team 12 times and won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award three consecutive times from 1984 to 1986. He was also a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a three-time NBA All-Star Game MVP.