10 Best NBA Players of All Time: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and More

The NBA has come a long way, evolving every single day into the fast-paced game we see today. But this transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was driven by the best NBA players of all time, the legends who changed the way basketball is played and watched. These players didn’t just put up stats, they redefined the sport. They introduced new moves, dominated their eras, and inspired generations of athletes to dream bigger. Some of them broke records, some revolutionized positions, and others made the game more exciting than ever.

In this article, we will look at the top 10 best NBA players of all time. These are the icons who took the league to new heights and helped shape the future of basketball. The GOAT debate can be a controversial topic, especially for veteran sports fans and hence we have used determining factors such as the classic eye test, the old reliable stats, career achievement, and even more specifically their awards on both ends of the court. Championships, although that can be a tricky factor, as even if rings are undoubtedly the ultimate goal for any franchise , the individual level of contribution one player has to that title-winning squad also matters just as much in this type of debate.

Ranking Factors

The factors that we have used to rank these 10 best NBA players of all time are:

• Statistics: This old reliable provides objective, non stop proof of any baller's performance across eras, eliminating any form of bias. They reflect impact, efficiency, and dominance over time, making them essential when comparing greats. While intangibles matter, stats offer evidence.
• The eye test: These are the intangibles that stats cannot capture, the leadership, clutch performances, skill fluidity, defensive presence, and how a hooper impacts the game beyond the scorecard. Watching a player in action reveals their true dominance and influence on both ends of the court in real time =.
• Achievements: These are achievements on both ends of the court, as back in the golden days, lot of players were streamlined and stuck to their role, but nowadays the league has centers that can stretch the floor very efficiently. On the offensive end, we looked at any scoring titles for most points in a regular season or the MVP regular season award . While on the defensive end, we looked at All-Defense selections as the true greatest of all time, or GOAT, who would be able to dominate on both ends.

Best NBA Players of All Time Ranked

To list some of the greats of basketball, here are some of the best NBA players of all time who left an impeccable impact on their careers and influence to make the league reach the current stage of prominence that it enjoys today.

Championships are important in determining the goat because they reflect a player's ability to lead, perform under pressure, and succeed at the highest level. Winning chips means the player has the ability to make an impact not just throughout the regular season but also in playoffs when it matters the most for any franchise.

#10: Larry Bird

He secured 9× All-NBA First Team selections and established himself as one of the best shooters in history. Larry bird has been put into the 10th best player ever spot, and deservedly so as he has 3 titles with the Celtics, offensively being considered a pioneer in shooting and even has 3 All-Defensive selections. Larry Bird is ranked 10th among the best basketball players of all time due to his exceptional skill and leadership. He has contributed a lot to the NBA’s global recognition. His rivalry with Magic Johnson in the 1980s not only saved the NBA from declining popularity but also set the stage for it to go global. This paved the way for Michael Jordan’s rise. Known for his clutch performances, trash-talking, and high basketball IQ, Larry led the Boston Celtics to dominance.

#9: Kobe Bryant

Won 5 titles with the purple and gold, is one of the faces in Lakers history's Mount Rushmore of Lakers greats with nine all-time defense selections and a ruthless knack for scoring. Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was an aggressive competitor and one of the best basketball players of all time. The 5-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, and one-time league MVP built his career on an obsessive dedication to master the sport. He coined this as the “Mamba Mentality,” a mindset of relentless pursuit of greatness.

Bryant entered the NBA as a 17-year-old, selected as the 13th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets. Bryant was traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers, thus starting a fairy tale story of him with the city of LA. Kobe was determined to carve out his legacy as he stepped out of Michael Jordan’s shadow and became a legend of his own. His footwork, mid-range game, and clutch performances made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. Bryant’s 81-point game remains one of the greatest single-game performances ever.

#8: Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal has won 4 titles , 3 times Finals MVP , an unstoppable force in the paint with 58% FG, especially in the playoffs , deserves to be in the top 10 without any doubt. Strong rim protector with 2 All-Defensive selections.

Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant presence and is undoubtedly among the best nba players ever, he was unlike anything the NBA had ever seen. He was one of the best NBA players of all time. The 4-time NBA champion, 3-time Finals MVP, and league MVP in 2000 combined all different aspects like power, size, and agility in a way that made him unstoppable. At 7-foot-1 and over 300 pounds, he overpowered defenders on the court.

He didn’t only have brute strength. He also had incredible footwork, a kind of soft touch around the rim, and a high basketball IQ. All of this made him more than just a physical force. His partnership with Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers to a historic three-run streak from 2000 to 2002, positioning them as greats in NBA history.

#7: Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan was never the fastest player but he had a quiet dominance, consistency, and leadership which made him one of the best basketball players of all time. The 5-time NBA champion, 3-time Finals MVP, and 2-time league MVP was the foundation of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. He led the team to two decades of absolute excellence.

Also known as “The Big Fundamental,” Duncan mastered the game with perfect footwork, elite defense, and most importantly of all a hard-to-master bank shot. He proved that skill and intelligence could be just as powerful as good athleticism. Whether it was scoring in the post, protecting the rim, or making the right pass, Duncan did everything that was needed to win.

Beyond his NBA success, he played a key role in basketball’s global growth.

Duncan inspired international stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo with his exceptional skill set and calm nature. Even after retiring, Duncan’s impact on the game remained strong as he started coaching and mentoring young players.

#6: Wilt Chamberlain

Charting sixth on the list of best NBA players of all time is Wilt Chamberlain, a basketball prodigy. His sheer dominance and record-breaking feats made him one of the best basketball players of all time. The 2-time NBA champion, 4-time MVP, and 7-time scoring champion had performances that don’t seem normal for a human.

Wilt is best known for his legendary 100-point game in 1962, a record that is still not broken, and for averaging 50.4 points per game in a single season. At 7-foot-1 with impressive athleticism for his size, he was exceptional on both ends of the court. Chamberlain has records in every aspect of the game be it scoring, rebounding, and even assists, once leading the league as a center.

Chamberlain’s rivalries, especially with Bill Russell, helped to elevate the NBA’s popularity. His style of play literally changed the way the game was approached, leading to rule changes like widening the lane and offensive goaltending. While some critics often point to the era he played in, no one can deny his dominance. Even if the fans look beyond his numbers his impact on basketball’s global reach was significant. He was one of the NBA’s first true superstars.

#5: Bill Russell

Bill Russell was an ultimate winner and one of the best basketball players of all time. He was an 11-time NBA champion, 5-time MVP, and the heart of the Boston Celtics dynasty. Bill went far beyond scoring; he revolutionized defense, proving that blocking shots and rebounding were just as valuable as putting up points.

His ability to dominate without needing to score made him one of the most selfless superstars in history. Russell was always putting team success above individual achievements. His rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain helped popularize the NBA. Bill’s presence on the court helped devise modern defensive strategies.

Beyond basketball, Russell was an advocate for social justice. He broke barriers as the NBA’s first Black head coach and stood alongside icons like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for civil rights. His influence was global and inspired generations of players to improve defense, and leadership, and start playing for the team rather than self. Even after retiring, he remained a guiding figure in the sport and mentored various players and hence is among the top 10 NBA players of all time.

#4: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson was the ultimate showman. He was a leader and one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The 5-time NBA champion, 3-time MVP, and 3-time Finals MVP redefined the point guard position with his 6-foot-9 height, court vision, and creative passing. All of this made him one of the most exciting players in history.

As the heart of the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers, he revolutionized the game with fast dribbling that captured fans’ attention and helped expand the NBA’s global appeal. His rivalry with Larry Bird made both players famous and also saved the NBA. It brought a new level of excitement that laid the foundation for the league’s worldwide viewership. Johnson stepped in at center in the 1980 NBA Finals as a rookie to secure a championship.

After his playing days, he continued to have a massive impact as an entrepreneur, activist, and ambassador for the game. His courageous battle with HIV awareness changed public perceptions of the disease. Johnson’s work in communities and business made his legacy off the court. He wasn’t just a phenomenal player, he was also a pleasing figure who made basketball more exciting, more global, and more inclusive.

#3: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a symbol of longevity and one of the best NBA players of all time. He was a 6-time NBA champion, 6-time MVP, and the league’s all-time leading scorer for about four decades. Kareem’s impact on the game was something else. His signature skyhook was the most unstoppable move in basketball history. It allowed him to score effortlessly over defenders for over 20 seasons.

From his early dominance with the Milwaukee Bucks to his leadership with the Los Angeles Lakers during the Showtime era, he consistently proved to be the ultimate winner. If we do not just look at his on-court success, Kareem also played a crucial role in expanding the NBA’s global reach. He inspired generations of players with his skill, discipline, and intelligence.

Off the court, he was an advocate for civil rights and social justice. Kareem who is among the best nba players ever used his platform to push for change at a time when athletes were often discouraged from speaking out. His influence was not only in basketball, as he became an author, historian, and cultural icon. Abdul was a figure whose contributions to the game and society will be remembered forever.

#2: LeBron James

LeBron James is the definition of greatness. The 4-time NBA champion, 4-time MVP, and the all-time leading scorer in NBA history has dominated the league for over two decades. He is equipped with an unmatched combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ. James has been a beast in basketball since his high school. He became the face of the NBA as he consistently exceeded expectations.

Lebron proved himself as an elite scorer, passer, defender, and leader. His ability to play in multiple positions sets him apart. James can run the offense like a point guard, score like a shooting guard, and dominate the court like a power forward. Beyond his on-court success, LeBron has played a major role in expanding the NBA’s global influence by inspiring players worldwide.

James has used his platform to advocate for social justice, education, and athlete empowerment. His works off the court include the creation of the I PROMISE School for underprivileged children. Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he has funded millions of dollars in scholarships, housing assistance, and job programs for families in need.

#1: Michael Jordan

The best NBA player of all time is Michael Jordan as he ranks first on the list of top 10 NBA players. Jordan is the ultimate competitor and a cultural icon. The 6-time NBA champion, 5-time MVP, and 10-time scoring champion redefined what it meant to be great under pressure. His instinct, athleticism, and exceptional ability to deliver in clutch moments made him the face of the global explosion of basketball in the 1990s.

Whether it was his game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship, his dominance with the Chicago Bulls, or his legendary “Flu Game,” Jordan never disappointed on a big occasion. His influence also extends far beyond the game. Off the court, he became a global brand through his partnership with Nike. They created the Air Jordan sneaker line which is the synonym for Nike sneakers for teenagers.

Beyond business, Jordan has been a major philanthropist, donating millions to education, healthcare, and social justice causes. This includes a historic $100 million pledge to racial equality initiatives. He is also the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, which paved the way for players to transition into leadership roles. With this, we conclude the list of best NBA players of all time.