This week I'd like to breakdown my personal list of the NBA's all time greatest players. I am taking into account personal stats, accolades, achievements and other game data. I am also taking into account the impact these players have had off the court as well as on, to a degree. Without further ado, let's see who we have.
10. Bill Russell
Bill Russell has more championship's than anybody else to play the game. 11 rings, 12 All-Star appearances, 11 All-NBA selections, 5 MVPs and he lead the league in rebounding 4 times. For his career, Russell averaged around 15 points, 22 rebounds and 4 assists. The reason I have him at number 10 is, despite all this success, Russell just didn't have the kind of competition that would appear in later generations.
9. Wilt Chamberlin
Wilt holds a few records that will probably never be broken. Wilt holds the record for most points scored in a game at 100. He also holds the record for the most rebounds in a game at 55. 2 rings, 2 All-Defensive teams, 10 All NBA teams, 13 All Star appearances, 7 scoring titles and he lead the league in rebound 11 times. Wilt was an absolute beast in his day. Much like Russell though, Wilt did not have the kind of competition that later generations would have.
8. Larry Bird
Larry Bird could have done so much more in the league if he would have taken care of himself a little bit better. He played from 1979 to 1992, only 13 years. If he had extended his prime he could have found himself much higher on this last. However in just 13 years he won 3 titles, 2 Finals MVP, 3 All-Defensive teams, 10 All-NBA teams, 3 MVPs, and 12 All-Star teams. For his career Bird averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists on just about 50% shooting from the field and 38% from behind the 3-point line. Those numbers are wild for anybody let alone a player who only played 13 years.
7. Shaq
Easily the most dominant player to ever step on a court, Shaq made a living inside bullying his way to the rim and scoring down low with ease. Players had to foul him just to stop him, leading to the notorious "Hack-a-Shaq" method of dealing with centers attacking the paint. Shaq was a 4 time champ and found himself selected to 3 All-Defensive and 14 All-NBA teams. Add that to his 2 scoring titles and career 24 point, 11 rebound and 3 assist averages and it adds up to one of the most entertaining personalities the NBA has produced. #BBQChickenAlert
6. Kobe Bryant
Easily one of the most famous players of all time, there is not enough space here to talk about all the great things Kobe did. He was a stone cold killer, going off for at least 50 points in a game on 25 different occasions including a 60 point game to close his NBA career against the Jazz. Averaging 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists Kobe led his Lakers squads to 5 titles. Along the way he was selected to 15 All-NBA teams and 12 All-Defensive teams and an MVP trophy in 2008.
5. Tim Duncan
The Big Fundamental is easily the most under-appreciated superstar the NBA has produced. 5 rings, 2 MVPs, 3 Final's MVPs, 15 All-Star appearances, 15 All-NBA teams, 15 All-Defensive teams and career averages of 19 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists on 51% shooting from the field. People don't give Timmy the respect he deserves because he was quiet and preferred steady, fundamental play over the flashy styles players like Kobe enjoyed.
4. Magic Johnson
The greatest point guard to play, Johnson was a floor general on a level of his own. He lead the league in assists 4 times and in steals twice, leading his Lakers squad to 5 different titles in the process. He was selected to 10 All-NBA teams, received the MVP trophy 3 times and the Final's MVP 3 times as well. A career average of 20 points, 7 rebounds and 11 types his style of play set the foundation for players like LeBron James and Ben Simmons.
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
As if being the all time scoring champ in the history of the league was not enough, Kareem also won 6 titles, 6 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 2 scoring titles, lead the league in blocks 4 times, made 15 All-NBA teams and 11 All-Defensive teams. Kareem also developed the most unstoppable shot in NBA history with his famous "skyhook". I do not think anything else really needs to be said.
2. Michael Jordan
Yeah, Jordan at number 2 probably hurt a lot of peoples feelings. Jordan had an incredible career and might be my number one pick if he played a few more years instead of retiring early and playing four years in college. I'm sure everybody is all ready familiar with his immaculate career but in case you aren't here are just a few of his achievements. 6-0 in the Finals, 1 DPOY, 5 MVPs, 6 Final's MVPs, 11 All-NBA teams, 9 All-Defensive teams, 10 scoring titles and lead the league in steals 3 times. Jordan is also the face of the Jordan shoe lines and currently owns the Charlotte Hornets.
1. LeBron James
As controversial as this pick might be to some NBA fans, the numbers just go to support this claim. LeBron leads Jordan in almost every statistical category except points per game, free throw percentage and steals. LeBron is still playing and already has 3 rings, 4 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs, 14 All-NBA teams, 6 All-Defensive teams and one scoring title. LeBron is still in his prime as he enters is 16th season in the league thanks to his insane ability to evolve his game as he ages. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, LeBron James is the NBA GOAT.
