Talking about the top 20 NBA basketball players of all time is like walking into a sports bar full of passionate fans. Everyone's got an opinion, and things can get heated fast. Who belongs? Who's ranked too high? Why is my favorite guy missing? I've spent years watching old game footage, digging deep into stats, and arguing with fellow hoops junkies about this very topic. Forget cold, robotic lists. This is about impact, legacy, and those moments that gave you chills. We're going beyond just points and titles to figure out who truly shaped the game we love. Looking for the ultimate rundown on the top 20 NBA basketball players of all time? You're in the right spot.
How We Figured Out This Mess: Ranking the Greats Isn't Simple
Let's be honest, comparing Wilt Chamberlain's era to Stephen Curry's is tricky. Rules changed, styles evolved, and athleticism hit insane levels. Here’s the messy framework I used, pulling from endless debates and stat dives:
- Peak Dominance: How untouchable were they at their absolute best? Think prime Shaq just bulldozing everyone.
- Career Longevity & Consistency: Sustained excellence matters. Kareem’s skyhook was deadly for two decades.
- Championship Pedigree & Clutch Performance: Did they get it done when the lights were brightest? MJ’s reputation wasn't built in January.
- Individual Stats & Awards (MVPs, Scoring Titles, DPOY): Raw numbers and recognition tell part of the story, but never the whole thing.
- Impact on Winning: How much did their presence alone lift their team? Think Tim Duncan’s Spurs.
- Evolution of the Game & Cultural Impact: Did they change *how* basketball was played or perceived? Magic and Bird saved the league in the 80s.
- Pure Skill & Basketball IQ: Seeing the game steps ahead, like Larry Bird or LeBron.
See what I mean? It's subjective as heck. That's why the debates rage on forever. Finding the true top 20 NBA basketball players of all time means wrestling with all these angles.
Real Talk: Any list like this will tick people off. Russell only averaged 15 points? Kobe shot too much? Durant joined superteams? Valid points exist for criticizing almost every legend. We’ll touch on some of that friction as we go.
The Pantheon: Breaking Down the Top 20 NBA Legends
Instead of a straight 1-20 countdown that’s bound to cause arguments (Is Kobe really above Duncan? Why is Hakeem so low?), grouping players into tiers feels more honest. The gaps within tiers are often razor-thin. Here’s how it shakes out based on mountains of game footage, stats, and legacy impact.
The Undisputed Mount Rushmore Tier
These guys are practically synonymous with basketball greatness. Arguments usually start *after* these four.
Michael Jordan
It’s MJ. Need I say more? The ultimate competitor. 6 rings, 6 Finals MVPs, never lost in the Finals. His scoring titles (10), DPOY award, and sheer will to win are legendary. Remember the "Flu Game"? Or him shrugging after hitting six threes in a half? Iconic.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulls, Wizards | 1984-2003 | 30.1 | 6.2 | 5.3 | 6x Champ, 5x MVP, 14x All-Star, 10x Scoring Champ, DPOY (1988) |
Game 6, 1998 Finals. The Last Shot over Bryon Russell to seal his 6th title. Pure ice water.
LeBron James
The physical freak combined with incredible IQ. Passing like Magic, scoring like few others, durability unmatched. Took three different franchises (Cavs, Heat, Lakers) to titles. The all-time scoring leader. His longevity is insane – still elite in year 20+.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavs, Heat, Lakers | 2003-Present | 27.2 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 4x Champ, 4x MVP, 4x Finals MVP, 19x All-Star, All-Time Scoring Leader |
The 2016 Finals comeback from 3-1 down against the 73-win Warriors. Block on Iguodala, clutch shots. Maybe the greatest series performance ever.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The Skyhook. The most unstoppable shot ever. NBA’s all-time leading scorer until LeBron. Won MVPs 14 years apart! Dominated at UCLA and then with the Bucks and Lakers. Six rings, six MVPs. His presence anchored defenses for nearly 20 years.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucks, Lakers | 1969-1989 | 24.6 | 11.2 | 3.6 | 6x Champ, 6x MVP, 19x All-Star, All-Time Scoring Leader (until 2023) |
Scoring 55 points in the closeout game of the 1971 NBA Finals for Milwaukee, cementing his superstar status.
Magic Johnson
Showtime! Revolutionized the point guard position at 6'9". Vision and passing were otherworldly. Five titles with the Lakers in the 80s. His smile and flair saved the league alongside Bird. That Game 6 rookie performance subbing for Kareem at center? Legendary.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 1979-1991, 1996 | 19.5 | 7.2 | 11.2 | 5x Champ, 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 12x All-Star |
Game 6, 1980 Finals. Playing center as a rookie with Kareem out, dropping 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to clinch the title.
The Franchise-Defining Superstar Tier
These players *were* their teams for long stretches. Hall of Famers who carried franchises on their backs.
Larry Bird
The Hick from French Lick. Magic's rival and the ultimate competitor. Deadly shooter, genius passer, relentless trash-talker. Three straight MVPs. Won three titles with Boston. Played with unmatched intensity and swagger. That left hand? Pure art.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 1979-1992 | 24.3 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 3x Champ, 3x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-Star |
Stealing Isiah Thomas' inbounds pass and dishing to Dennis Johnson for the winning layup in Game 5 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals. Pure instinct.
Bill Russell
The ultimate winner. 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Celtics. Defense and rebounding were his superpowers. Sacrificed stats for wins. His battles with Wilt are the stuff of legend. Changed how defense was viewed. Won as a player-coach!
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtics | 1956-1969 | 15.1 | 22.5 | 4.3 | 11x Champ, 5x MVP, 12x All-Star |
Game 7, 1962 Finals. Grabbing 30 rebounds (and scoring 30 points) against Wilt Chamberlain to secure the title in overtime.
Shaquille O'Neal
The most physically dominant force maybe ever. Unstoppable in his Lakers prime. Won three straight Finals MVPs with Kobe. Powerful dunker, surprisingly nimble feet. Four rings total. His personality was as huge as his frame.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavs, Celtics | 1992-2011 | 23.7 | 10.9 | 2.5 | 4x Champ, 3x Finals MVP, MVP (2000), 15x All-Star |
Demolishing the Pacers in the 2000 Finals, averaging 38 PPG and 16.7 RPG to win his first title and Finals MVP.
Tim Duncan
"The Big Fundamental." Quietly one of the best ever. Five titles with the Spurs, two MVPs. Elite defender, efficient scorer, brilliant passer from the post. The rock of the Spurs dynasty for nearly two decades. No flash, all substance.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs | 1997-2016 | 19.0 | 10.8 | 3.0 | 5x Champ, 2x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 15x All-Star |
Dominating the 2003 Finals against the Nets, nearly averaging a quadruple-double for the series (24.2 PPG, 17 RPG, 5.3 APG, 5.3 BPG) to win the title.
Wilt Chamberlain
The Stat King. Numbers that seem fictional: 100 points in a game, 50 PPG for a season, 55 rebounds in a game. Unmatched athleticism for his era. Won two titles (one with the Sixers, one with the Lakers). His rivalry with Russell defined the 60s.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors, Sixers, Lakers | 1959-1973 | 30.1 | 22.9 | 4.4 | 2x Champ, 4x MVP, Finals MVP (1972), 13x All-Star, 7x Scoring Champ, 11x Rebounding Champ |
Scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962. A record that will likely never be broken.
The Elite Game-Changers Tier
Players who redefined positions, dominated on both ends, or possessed unique generational talent.
Hakeem Olajuwon
"The Dream." Best footwork for a big man ever? Probably. Carried the Rockets to back-to-back titles in the Jordan interregnum. Defensive monster (all-time blocks leader). His "Dream Shake" was unguardable. Stole MVP from David Robinson.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockets, Raptors | 1984-2002 | 21.8 | 11.1 | 2.5 | 2x Champ, 2x Finals MVP, MVP (1994), DPOY (2x), 12x All-Star, All-Time Blocks Leader |
Outplaying David Robinson and then Shaquille O'Neal consecutively in the 1995 playoffs to lead Houston to their second title.
Kobe Bryant
The Black Mamba. Jordan's spiritual successor with unmatched work ethic and killer instinct. Five titles with the Lakers. Two Finals MVPs. Scored 81 points in a game. Relentless scorer and competitor. His footwork and fadeaway were poetry.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 1996-2016 | 25.0 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 5x Champ, 2x Finals MVP, MVP (2008), 18x All-Star, 2x Scoring Champ |
Dropping 60 points in his final NBA game against the Utah Jazz at age 37. Pure Mamba mentality.
Oscar Robertson
"The Big O." Averaged a triple-double for an entire season *before* Russell Westbrook. Elite scorer, rebounder, and passer. Won his only title with Kareem in Milwaukee. His all-around game was decades ahead of its time.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royals, Bucks | 1960-1974 | 25.7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | Champ (1971), MVP (1964), 12x All-Star |
Achieving the season-long triple-double average (30.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 11.4 APG) in the 1961-62 season, a feat considered impossible until Westbrook.
Kevin Durant
The ultimate scoring machine. "Slim Reaper." Near 7-footer with guard skills and a lethal jumper. Won two titles and two Finals MVPs with Golden State. MVP with OKC. Maybe the most purely gifted scorer ever. Efficiency king.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonics/Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns | 2007-Present | 27.3 | 7.0 | 4.4 | 2x Champ, 2x Finals MVP, MVP (2014), 13x All-Star, 4x Scoring Champ |
Hitting the dagger three-pointer over LeBron James in Game 3 of the 2017 Finals, solidifying the Warriors' dominance.
Jerry West
"Mr. Clutch" and the NBA logo! Carried the Lakers to numerous Finals, finally winning in 1972. Famous for his clutch shooting and intense competitiveness. His silhouette is the league's symbol for a reason. Amazing scorer and playmaker.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 1960-1974 | 27.0 | 5.8 | 6.7 | Champ (1972), Finals MVP (1969 - only player on losing team), 14x All-Star |
Hitting a 60-foot buzzer-beater to force overtime in Game 3 of the 1970 Finals against the Knicks.
Stephen Curry
Changed basketball forever. The greatest shooter the game has ever seen. Draining threes from the logo seemed impossible before him. Four titles with the Warriors. Two MVPs (one unanimous). Draymond and Klay were perfect complements, but Steph is the engine.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | 2009-Present | 24.7 | 4.7 | 6.5 | 4x Champ, Finals MVP (2022), 2x MVP, 9x All-Star, All-Time 3-Pt Leader |
Draining 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season, shattering his own record and winning the first-ever unanimous MVP during the Warriors' 73-win season.
The Pioneering Legends & Intangibles Tier
Players who laid the foundation or brought unique, irreplaceable qualities that defined winning.
Julius Erving
"Dr. J." Brought artistry and athleticism from the ABA to the NBA. Made the dunk an art form. Won titles in both leagues. His grace and flair inspired a generation, including a young Michael Jordan. The original high-flyer superstar.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Squires (ABA), Nets (ABA), 76ers | 1971-1987 | 22.0 (NBA), 28.7 (ABA) | 6.7 (NBA), 10.9 (ABA) | 3.9 (NBA), 4.9 (ABA) | NBA Champ (1983), ABA Champ (2x), 4x MVP (3 ABA, 1 NBA), 16x All-Star (11 NBA, 5 ABA) |
The iconic baseline "Rock the Baby" reverse layup against the Lakers in the 1980 Finals. Pure magic.
Moses Malone
The original "Chairman of the Boards." Led the league in rebounding six times. Went straight from high school to the pros. Won MVP three times (once in ABA). His "Fo', Fo', Fo'" prophecy almost came true as he led the Sixers to the 1983 title.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirits (ABA), Braves, Rockets, Sixers, Bullets, Hawks, Spurs, Bucks | 1974-1995 | 20.6 | 12.2 | 1.4 | NBA Champ (1983), Finals MVP (1983), 3x MVP (1 ABA, 2 NBA), 12x All-Star |
Dominating the 1983 playoffs, fulfilling his "Fo', Fo', Fo'" prediction (they went 12-1: Fo', Fi', Fo') to win the title with Philly.
Karl Malone
"The Mailman" always delivered. Second all-time in scoring. Model of consistency and durability alongside Stockton in Utah. Two MVPs. Never won a ring (thanks, MJ), but his power game and pick-and-roll mastery were devastating for nearly 20 years.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz, Lakers | 1985-2004 | 25.0 | 10.1 | 3.6 | 2x MVP, 14x All-Star, 11x All-NBA First Team |
His epic battles with Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals (1997, 1998), pushing the Bulls to the limit despite ultimately falling short.
Dirk Nowitzki
Revolutionized the power forward position as a deadly 7-foot shooter. Loyal to Dallas his entire career. Won MVP and led the Mavs to an improbable 2011 title over the Heatles. His one-legged fadeaway was iconic. Beloved figure.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mavericks | 1998-2019 | 20.7 | 7.5 | 2.4 | Champ (2011), Finals MVP (2011), MVP (2007), 14x All-Star |
Leading the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA Championship, defeating the heavily favored Miami Heat "Big 3" of LeBron, Wade, and Bosh with an incredible playoff run.
Kevin Garnett
"The Big Ticket." Intensity personified. Changed the culture in Minnesota and then won a title in Boston. Elite defender (DPOY), rebounder, and versatile scorer. His passion and trash talk were legendary. The original "unicorn" big man.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets | 1995-2016 | 17.8 | 10.0 | 3.7 | Champ (2008), MVP (2004), DPOY (2008), 15x All-Star |
Screaming "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!" after winning the 2008 NBA Championship with the Celtics, ending a long title drought for Boston.
Elgin Baylor
A scoring machine before his time. Amazing leaper and creative finisher near the rim. Averaged over 38 PPG one season. Tragically lost all eight NBA Finals appearances with the Lakers but was a force to be reckoned with. His style influenced Dr. J and others.
| Teams | Career Years | PPG | RPG | APG | Key Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | 1958-1972 | 27.4 | 13.5 | 4.3 | 11x All-Star, Rookie of the Year (1959) |
Scoring 61 points in Game 5 of the 1962 NBA Finals against the Celtics, still an NBA Finals record.
Tough Calls: Who *Just* Missed the Top 20 NBA Basketball Players of All Time?
Man, this hurts. Leaving these guys off feels wrong, but 20 spots fill up fast. They absolutely belong in any Hall of Fame conversation and were incredibly close:
- John Stockton: All-time assists and steals leader. The ultimate pure point guard. His synergy with Malone was historic. The lack of a ring and individual MVP makes the top 20 climb tough against established champions.
- Dwyane Wade: Three-time champ with Miami, Finals MVP in 2006. "Flash" was electric, especially in his prime. Arguably the third-best shooting guard ever. Injuries late in his career slightly ding his longevity peak.
- David Robinson: "The Admiral." MVP, DPOY, scoring champ. Dominant two-way center before injuries. Won two titles with Duncan. His peak was phenomenal, but slightly shorter than others in the top tier.
- Isiah Thomas: Heart and soul of the "Bad Boy" Pistons. Two-time champ, Finals MVP. Tough as nails and clutch. His leadership and playmaking were elite. The Pistons' style and some playoff exits keep him just outside for many.
- Scottie Pippen: The ultimate elite sidekick. Arguably the best perimeter defender ever. Six rings with Jordan. Fantastic all-around player. Could he have been *the* guy? His post-Bulls stints suggest maybe not at that absolute peak level.
See? It gets messy fast. You could swap a few names around the edges of the top 20 NBA basketball players of all time and I wouldn't argue too hard.
Debating the Greats: Your Top 20 NBA Questions Answered (FAQ)
Alright, let's tackle some of the most common arguments and questions people have when searching for the top 20 NBA basketball players of all time:
Q: Why is Bill Russell ranked higher than Wilt Chamberlain? Wilt had way better stats!
A: This is THE classic debate. Wilt's stats are mind-blowing, no doubt. But Russell won 11 championships in 13 seasons. His impact was defense, rebounding, leadership, and winning above all else. He sacrificed personal stats for team success. Wilt was a phenomenal player, but Russell's teams consistently beat Wilt's in the playoffs. Rings matter in this context.
Q: Is LeBron James really better than Michael Jordan?
A> Ah, the GOAT debate! Look, it depends heavily on your criteria. Jordan: 6-0 in Finals, ultimate killer instinct, defined global basketball in the 90s. LeBron: All-time scoring leader, more MVPs (4 vs 5), incredible longevity, carried multiple franchises to titles, arguably more versatile (elite passer). Jordan has the perfect Finals record and cultural aura. LeBron has unmatched sustained brilliance and physical gifts. There's no single right answer. Both are easily top 2.
Q: How can Steph Curry be ranked above players like Oscar Robertson or Jerry West? They were more well-rounded.
A> Steph fundamentally changed how basketball is played at every level. Teams now shoot 40+ threes a game because of him – that was unthinkable before. His gravity opens the floor unlike any player ever. He's the best shooter in history by a wide margin. While Oscar and West were more traditional stat-sheet stuffers (and legends!), Steph's revolutionary impact on winning and the sport itself pushes him higher on many modern lists.
Q: Where are active players like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic on this list?
A> Both Giannis (2x MVP, 1x Champ/Finals MVP, DPOY) and Jokic (2x MVP, 1x Champ/Finals MVP) are phenomenal and building incredible resumes. Giannis is a physical marvel; Jokic is an offensive genius. They are absolutely on a Hall of Fame trajectory. However, compared to the established legends in the top 20 whose careers are largely complete, Giannis and Jokic need a few more years of sustained peak performance and playoff success to seriously challenge for a spot in the all-time top 20. Injuries or decline could change things, but right now, they're knocking on the door.
Q: Why is Kobe Bryant sometimes ranked lower than expected on some lists?
A> Kobe's legacy is immense, but some analysts point to his efficiency. While an amazing scorer, his field goal percentage wasn't elite compared to someone like Durant or LeBron. Early in his career, he played alongside Shaq, and some argue Shaq was the more dominant force on those title teams (though Kobe was crucial late in games). His later title runs (2009, 2010) solidified his individual greatness. It's often a close call between him and players like Duncan or Olajuwon. His cultural impact and work ethic are unmatched, though.
Q: Does Kevin Durant's decision to join the Warriors hurt his legacy?
A> This is a big point of contention. There's no doubt joining the 73-win Warriors significantly boosted his ring count (2) and Finals MVPs (2). Before that, he had incredible individual success (MVP, scoring titles) but playoff frustrations in OKC. Some argue he took the "hardest road" by joining a superteam, diminishing those titles. Others argue he was the best player on those Warriors teams and proved his greatness under the brightest lights. It's a stain for some purists, but his skill level remains undeniable. It's factored into rankings but doesn't erase his talent.
Wrapping Up the GOAT Debate (For Now)
Picking the top 20 NBA basketball players of all time is never final. It's a snapshot. Legends retire, new ones emerge. Giannis and Jokic are writing their chapters now. Victor Wembanyama might be next. What makes basketball amazing is this constant evolution and debate.
This list weighs peak dominance, sustained excellence, championship success, impact on winning, skill evolution, and overall legacy. It respects the pioneers like Russell and West, marvels at the dominance of Jordan and LeBron, and acknowledges game-changers like Curry. Disagree with a ranking? Good! That passion *is* basketball fandom. Hit up the comments, but keep it respectful.
Ultimately, appreciating the greatness across eras – the skyhooks, the no-look passes, the fadeaways, the logo threes, the defensive stops – is what being an NBA fan is all about. These 20 players, listed in tiers to ease the arguing, represent the absolute pinnacle of that journey so far. Who's your number one?
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