20 Greatest NBA Players to Ever Step on the Court
These 20 NBA legends changed the game with their skill, leadership, and lasting impact on basketball.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The NBA has seen some of the most talented athletes in sports history. A few players stood out not only for their stats but also for how they shaped the game. This list ranks the 20 greatest based on championships, longevity, records, and influence.
20. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Giannis is a two-time MVP and an NBA champion with the Bucks. He combines size, speed, and strength like no one else. He has already made multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. Giannis is still in his prime with room to rise on this list.
19. Charles Barkley
© Imagn Images
Barkley was one of the best rebounders ever for his size. He won an MVP and reached the Finals once. Barkley was explosive, skilled, and entertaining. He later became a popular voice in basketball media.
18. David Robinson
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Robinson was a two-time champion, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. He scored 71 points in a game and won a scoring title. Robinson also served in the U.S. Navy before his NBA debut. His athleticism and leadership were key for the Spurs.
17. Karl Malone
RVR Photos-Imagn Images
Malone scored the second-most points in NBA history until recently. He won two MVPs and made 14 All-Star appearances. He was a strong, consistent power forward. Malone formed one of the best duos ever with John Stockton.
16. Moses Malone
Malcolm Emmons - Imagn Images
Malone was a three-time MVP and one-time NBA champion. He was one of the best rebounders in history. He dominated in both the ABA and the NBA. His inside game helped shape modern frontcourt play.
15. Dirk Nowitzki
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Dirk was the first great European NBA superstar. He scored over 31,000 points and led the Mavericks to a 2011 title. He transformed the power forward role with his shooting. Dirk stayed loyal to Dallas for his entire 21-year career.
14. Wilt Chamberlain
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Wilt once scored 100 points in a single game and averaged 50 for a season. He won two NBA titles and four MVPs. Chamberlain holds many single-season and career records. His strength and numbers were unlike anything before or since.
13. Stephen Curry
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Curry changed basketball with his three-point shooting. He has won four titles and two MVPs, including the first-ever unanimous MVP. Curry holds the record for most three-pointers made. His style has reshaped how teams play offense.
12. Kevin Durant
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Durant is one of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen. He has won two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, and an MVP award. He can shoot, dribble, and defend at nearly seven feet tall. Durant has played at a high level for more than 15 seasons.
11. Oscar Robertson
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Oscar was the first player to average a triple-double for a season. He won an MVP and an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks. His all-around game set the standard for future guards. Robertson was a strong voice for player rights off the court as well.
10. Hakeem Olajuwon
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Hakeem was a two-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leader in blocked shots. He had unmatched footwork in the post. He won an MVP and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. Hakeem controlled both ends of the floor with skill and effort.
9. Shaquille O’Neal
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
Shaq was one of the most dominant forces in NBA history. He won four championships and an MVP. His size, strength, and footwork made him nearly unstoppable near the rim. Shaq also brought personality and energy to the game.
8. Kobe Bryant
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Kobe scored over 33,000 points and won five NBA titles. He was known for his work ethic and fearless play. Kobe made 18 All-Star teams and 12 All-Defensive teams. His impact reached far beyond the court, inspiring millions worldwide.
7. Tim Duncan
Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Duncan won five titles and two MVPs with the San Antonio Spurs. He was the model of consistency and team-first basketball. Duncan made 15 All-Defensive Teams and led by example. He was known as “The Big Fundamental” for his steady style.
6. Larry Bird
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Bird was a three-time MVP and three-time NBA champion. He could shoot, pass, and rebound at a high level. Bird was known for his toughness and clutch plays. His rivalry with Magic helped grow the league’s popularity.
5. Bill Russell
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Russell won 11 championships in 13 seasons, the most by any NBA player. He was the core of the Boston Celtics dynasty. His defense and rebounding controlled games. Russell also became the first Black head coach in major U.S. sports.
4. Magic Johnson
Malcolm Emmons - Imagn Images
Magic changed the point guard position with his size and skill. He won five titles with the Lakers and earned three MVPs. He led the league in assists four times and made the game faster and more exciting. Magic’s leadership lifted the NBA in the 1980s.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images
Kareem won six NBA titles and six MVPs, more than anyone else. He scored over 38,000 points using his famous skyhook. Kareem was a strong defender and a leader for two decades. He dominated both the regular season and the playoffs.
2. LeBron James
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He has won four NBA titles and four MVPs across three teams. His ability to play and guard every position sets him apart. LeBron has remained elite into his 20th season.
1. Michael Jordan
© Imagn Images
Jordan won six NBA titles and five MVPs with the Chicago Bulls. He was known for his scoring, defense, and unmatched competitiveness. Jordan led the league in scoring 10 times and never lost in the Finals. His influence on and off the court is unmatched in basketball history.