Here is an attempt at solving one of the biggest controversies of all time – ranking the legendary players of the old school as well as the present class accTop 5 Greatest NBA player of all timeording to their greatness.
Now it goes without saying that these iconic players played in different generations with different rules and different technologies. So to compile a list consisting of all of them is no small task. It is all a matter of perspective and opinions, just like how incorrect it would be to rank players only on the basis of championships or the lack thereof.
But at the same time, someone who has not won a championship in his career, by unspoken consent can’t appear on this list. With this list, I have tried to compile a list of superstars with a healthy mix of all aspects taken together. Here goes!
#5 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant has been an essential cog not just in basketball, but in all sports as an icon and ambassador of the 2000’s. His game style, aggression and popularity brought him to be known as the successor to MJ in the sport. He is now part of Lakers‘ folklore, getting them to 5 championships.
He is also the only player to have two jersey numbers retired by the same organization. But his not so glorious final years mean that he is no higher than number 10 on our list of elite and talented players of all time which is a significant achievement on its own.
#4 Larry Bird
Another unquestioned and one of the most respected legends of the game, Larry Bird is a 3-time league MVP and a 3-time NBA Champion. Larry did not have the average NBA players’ athletic or high flying nature. What he lacked, he made up with his excellent basketball IQ and shooting ability.
He was a part of a two-way rivalry in the 80’s which made the NBA what it is today. Not many have ever been able to outshine his skills and shooting abilities at his height. From winning three-point contests to trash-talking his heart out, he had it all. He had a career shortened due to injury, and hence this place in this ranking. Otherwise, who knew what kind of records he would have broken!
#3 Bill Russell
With 11 NBA titles from 13 playing seasons, there is no one who can question the greatness of this man. He invented defensive sequences and made sure that defense was considered an equal force in an attack centered league.
Widely regarded as the best defensive player of all time, his 11 NBA championships is probably the safest all-time record around. He also has 5 MVP awards, all of this at a time when it was difficult to be an African-American in the city of Boston. Bill Russel didn’t just win in Basketball, he won in life.
#2 LeBron James
LeBron James has been constantly building his case for the “Greatest of All Time”. He has easily cemented his place within the top 3 NBA players in any list. What is scary is that he produced one of his best statistical seasons in his 15th season. His four regular season and three finals MVP’s show his value to whichever team he is part of.
In pure raw skill sets and overall completeness, there isn’t any player greater than him. His lack of a greater number of championships is not a reason enough to place him any lower on this list. In his 8 straight NBA Finals appearances, he has faced three outstanding dynasties i.e Popovich’s Spurs, Kobe’s Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. No other player can claim to have played and won against three dynasties in their prime.
#1 Michael Jordan
There was no question that Air Jordan would end up on the first place on any all-time list. His aggressive nature, high flying dunks, wagging tongue, and the winning mindset is a legend in basketball.
In his 1988 season, he won the NBA MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year, as well as the scoring title. Need I say more? He is regarded as not just an icon of basketball, but of all sporting history. There has never been a player like him. Going 6 of 6 at the biggest stage (NBA Finals), and winning two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls, the evidence is plenty.
His championships have come against sides loaded with Hall of Famers. What he has done for the sport is unparalleled. Basketball would not be the same without him. He truly is the greatest of all time.
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