Ranking the Top 30 NBA Players of All Time

Ranking The Top 30 NBA Players of All Time

One of my favorite things to talk about is sports, and my two favorite sports are Basketball and Football. However, I know that most people can relate more to The Office and Candy than Basketball and Football, so instead of dedicating several posts to several Basketball rankings, I am going to make one post for a bunch of Basketball rankings. These lists could include current players, former players, and who knows what else. Now without further ado, here is a bunch of random stuff about Basketball. 

 

30.  Allen Iverson, SG, 76ers/Nuggets/Pistons/Grizzlies

It was very hard for me to pick between Allen Iverson or Chris Paul. I had to think about it: Neither has won a championship. Allen Iverson has been to the finals once, losing, while Chris Paul has never been. AI has won one MVP. CP3 hasn't. So for career accomplishments, Allen Iverson is winning so far. AI was a better scorer, Chris Paul was a better passer and defender. I'd say its pretty close right now. I also think CP3 is a better teammate, and a better leader. So what is the tiebreaker? Affect on the game of Basketball. Allen Iverson has been called the most talented basketball player pound for pound in NBA History. While Chris Paul is a great leader, he hasn't inspired as many as Allen Iverson has. AI has some of the best moments in NBA history. Stepping over Tyronn Lue in the Finals. His legendary cornrows. That's why AI gets to be on this list. 

29. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is one of the best defensive players in NBA History, in my opinion, besides Pippen, Jordan, and Payton, the best perimeter player in NBA History. Out of those players, he is probably the best offensive out of them, besides the GOAT. Leonard has won two finals MVP's with two different teams, and is on track to win another with the Clippers. Leonard is a great scorer, leader, defender, and overall player. I will say without his year in Toronto, he would not be on this list, but I will also say, that by the end of his career, he will crack the top 20. Him losing in the playoffs did drop him off for me, against a Nuggets team he should have beaten.

28. Kevin Garnett, PF, Timberwolves/Celtics/Nets

Kevin Garnett is hard for me to rank. I probably know the least about him compared to everyone else on this list. He has won one NBA MVP. Kevin Garnett was a very athletic power forward, one of the leagues best players during his entire career. He was a great rebounder, a good passer for his position, and a fantastic defender. He also was a excellent scorer throughout his career. But the best thing about Kevin Garnett was what he brought to his team. While he only won one championship, he was won of the most impactful players in NBA history. He defeated Kobe Bryant's Lakers in the NBA Championship. A natural leader, Garnet elevated and encourage players around him to do there best. 

27. Elgin Baylor, SF, Lakers

Me being born in the 21st century, I don't really know much about Elgin Baylor. But I have to give him some respect. Even though he never won a finals series, he still took his team there 8 times. While Stephen Curry, Julius Erving, Steve Nash, Michael Jordan are all credited with changing Basketball, Elgin Baylor was one of the first to do that. He was a great offensive player and a constant, reliable player. He was one of the best players in the league for his entire career, and a great athlete. The reason he doesn't rank higher is because there were less teams back then, and much less competition. 

26. John Stockton, PG, Utah Jazz

If you were building a true point guard in a lab, you would have made John Stockton. A top five point guard in NBA History, the leader all time in assists and steals. Stockton was the perfect point guard: A fantastic passer and playmaker, very quick and fast, around 6'1", A solid shooter, and a great all-around teammate and person. In my opinion he is the second best passer in NBA History behind Magic. The reasons he's not higher? He was with Karl Malone for most of his career, and that definitely had a lot to do with the Jazz going deep in the playoffs. I think that John Stockton would be the best sidekick to any legendary great, but if he was by himself on a team, I don't think he could go very far. He never won any titles. While Karl Malone does get lots of credit, I also don't think he would have gone very far without Stockton, and they did develop one of the best plays ever, the pick and roll. I have lots of respect for Stockton, but if Chris Paul wins any championships soon, I think he might fall out of the top five point guards in NBA History. 

25. Isiah Thomas, PG, Detroit Pistons

Isiah Thomas is better than John Stockton for one main reason: He won two titles. When I think about it, I think that the bad boys pistons are probably a better team that Stockton's Jazz. But I think that Thomas is the perfect leader for a team. While everyone hated the Pistons, they took down some of the best teams in the NBA, whether it was Jordan's Bulls, or Bird's Celtics. Everyone hated the Pistons, and Isiah Thomas was the leader of them. And while we want to him as well, we can't help but admire his grit, toughness, and leadership for that team. While Stockton might be a little better than Thomas, if there was a person I would want leading me to battle based on pure intensity and leadership, it would be Thomas, and if there was a team I would dread going against, specifically a player, it would be Thomas, or the Bad Boy Pistons. 

24. Scottie Pippen, SF, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers

Like I said in the bit about Kawhi, I believe Scottie Pippen is the greatest perimeter defender. That being said, the only reason he beats out Kawhi is because of his championships. I do believe that when Kawhi's career is over, he will have a better resume than Pippen. Even though Pippen is a bit of a better defender, Kawhi is just as good, and probably a better offensive player. I do believe that without Pippen, Jordan wouldn't have won his 6 rings. But I also don't think Pippen would be able to win many by himself. He was always a sidekick, and when Jordan left for his baseball journey, we say that he couldn't finish the run in the playoffs. While he was a great teammate, Pippen also occasionally had moments when he would be very selfish, whether it was when he sat out because Kukoc got the final shot, or when he didn't play at the beginning of the 1998 season when he scheduled a surgery right before. But overall Pippen was a great scorer, overall player, and one of the best defenders in NBA History. He was one of the very first "stretch forwards". He was very versatile, and could play any position on the floor, using his athleticism, size, and skills.

23. John Havlicek, SF, Boston Celtics

When thinking of the dominant Celtics team from the 60s, you automatically think of Bill Russell. Havlicek deserves much more credit. One of the best two-way players ever, Havlicek didn't have any faults in his game. A good rebounder, passer, scorer, and defender, Havlicek was a great player. The only thing keeping him lower than others is while we want to give him lots of credit for the titles, he was blessed with Russell, and Cowens, and other dominant players he got to play with. There were less teams back then, and that made it easier to dominate. One of the hardest thing to understand when ranking all time greats is that era does make a huge difference. Who knows how Havlicek would do in today's NBA. But for know, he is definitely in this list. 

22. Charles Barkley, PF, Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets

Charles Barkley had a very long, successful, and prominent career. I think he is very underrated. While he might not be a great defender, he dominated as 6'6" power forward, which really is incredible. He was one of the best scorers and athletes in the league, and used his unique build and size to dominate.  He was one of the best rebounders in NBA History. I think Barkley was unlucky, he never got to play with another superstar, or that great of a supporting cast.  Even though he didn't win a title, he never was blessed with another star to play with. Charles Barkley deserves more credit. 

21. Karl Malone, PF, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers

A two-time MVP. A two-time runner-up. Karl Malone has established himself as one of the best power forwards in NBA History. One of the best scorers of all time, second in total points, Malone falls in the category of some of the players who were good for such a long time, like Kareem and Lebron. Malone made 11 first teams, a huge accomplishment. I would say the only reason he is not higher is because of his 0-2 record in the finals. Even though he was playing the GOAT, he still had John Stockton, and probably should have done better in those late 90s. He honestly probably didn't deserve some of his MVPs. He always had great teams, but could never go far in the playoffs. While we can blame that on Jordan, the greats have to be able to win, making Malone not top 20. He barely ranks ahead of Barkley because I think if Barkley had Stockton, he still wouldn't win many titles with Jordan there, but these two are very close. 

20. David Robinson, C, San Antonio Spurs

The Admiral ranks barely inside the top 20 and ahead of Malone for a few reasons: 1st, he won titles. I think championships play a huge part in a players legacy, and Robinson won 2, and Malone won none. To be fair, Robinson did have emerging star Tim Duncan, but Malone had Stockton, so they are pretty even there, and Robinson delivered. Robinson did win after Jordan retired, so that plays some part it. However, Robinson wins because he is just a much better all-around player. A defensive player of the year, Robinson was one of the best big-man defenders in the league, and also a great leader, teammate, and scorer. He won a league MVP, and always consistent with his statistics and skill. What holds Robinson back? Well, he won his MVP when Jordan was returning from Baseball. He won his titles when Jordan was retired. So honestly, if Jordan and Robinson retire at the same time, does Robinson get those accomplishments? Maybe not. But we cannot ignore one of the best big-men to ever do it, David Robinson. 

19. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks

Dirk is by far one of the most interesting and unique players. His longevity and loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks deserves a lot more credit than it gets. One of the best shooters in NBA History, and undoubtedly the best big-man shooter ever, Dirk was a great scorer, leader, and all-around person and teammate. He created one of the most unstoppable fadeaways ever, and with his unique size and athleticism, he was a matchup nightmare. I mean, come on. A seven-foot shooter? Dirk was such an important piece to the game of Basketball, especially for big-men, and without him, who knows how much the game would be evolved nowadays. Lots of players in this generation, if they can't win a title, go team up with better players. Lebron to the Heat, Durant to the Warriors. Dirk was loyal to a Dallas team that wasn't very good. While he did get upset in the 2006 finals, he finally won his first and only championship in 2011. He was a fantastic player, won an MVP, and completely changed the game. 

18. Dwayne Wade, SG, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers

The flash. A three-time NBA Champion. One of the best perimeter defenders ever. A top-five shooting guard. Dwayne Wade is in my opinion the best sidekick in NBA history based purely on skill. Kobe doesn't count. And even though McHale and Pippen won more titles with their leaders (Bird and Jordan) I think that Wade is most talented. Also, he and Lebron were together for only 4 years, winning two titles and making the finals in all 4 years. Who knows what they could have done for 10 years, the same amount as Jordan and Pippen. Wade could also succeed as the number one option, in which he lead the Heat to a title. A very clutch scorer, fun player to watch, and all around extremely energetic, Wade brought so much excitement to the game. 

17. Moses Malone, C, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs

Moses Malone is never really thought of as a great all-time center. There are so many great centers of all time, and Moses Malone is such a great player, but he falls to the sixth best center of all time for me. However. Malone came into the league and won three MVPs in his first 8 seasons. He won one finals. He carried Julius Erving to his first and only finals. He had a long and very successful career. He is extremely underrated. When we think of greats, not many have won as many MVP's as Malone. Yet he is never thought of. The best rebounder of all time, a great winner. Moses Malone has a great name, and he deserves more respect. Easily a top 20 player of all time. 

16. Julius Erving, SF, Philadelphia 76ers

Listen. We are ranking NBA Players. Some of Erving's best player early in his career was in the ABA. He won titles, and MVPs. But we are ranking best NBA players. However, Dr. J helped the game of basketball so much. He helped inspire so many players. He has so many iconic and legendary moments. The afro. Dr. J. The free throw line dunk. Dr. J was a phenomenal athlete and scorer. He was a great defender. He had so much style and flare to his game, and he was Michael Jordan before Michael Jordan. Dr. J was such an influence, and star. His faults? Only one championship in the NBA, and he did have upcoming Moses Malone pretty much carry his team. But you know what? For what Dr. J brought to the game? He absolutely deserves to be on this list.

15. Jerry West, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

The logo. Mr. Clutch. Jerry West is the old-time Stephen Curry. One of the best shooters of all time. A great ball-handler and leader. One of the clutchest NBA players of all time. A fantastic passer and playmaker. West could do it all. He was a great playoff performer. If only he didn't have to play the Celtics in all of his 9 finals appearances, and he only won one. But it wasn't his fault. It is sort of like how Ewing, Malone, Barkley, Drexler, and all of those players in the 90s who couldn't win because of Jordan. The only thing that holds him back is that simply, one, he only won one title, and two, the main thing making West special is his explosiveness, but some of these guys are just more talented than him. But West is a great player to the history of the NBA. 

14. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets

If Jerry West is on this list, KD has to be barely ahead of him. Durant is a freakish athlete, and with his unique size and athleticism, he is one of the most unstoppable players ever. If personally think that he is a top 3 offensive player ever. With a fantastic jump shot, great defense, he can score in any possible way. Dunk, layup, mid-range, three-pointer. Endless possibilities. Right now I have him as the 3rd best small forward ever. It will be very hard for him to pass Larry Bird, but he has won two championships and an MVP. However. What holds him back? He made the weakest move in history. While we play the game to win, I don't respect players who go to the easiest scenario. He did win two finals, and finals MVPs, but he did it with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. It was a very weak move. That being said? He is still very dominant, and important to the game. It will be a long time before we see another Kevin Durant. 

13. Oscar Robertson, PG, Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks

The original triple double. While a triple double might not be very unique in today's game, back then it was very impressive and rare, and it was Robertson's best attribute. A big point guard who was a great scorer, passer, and rebounder, he was the 70s version of Russell Westbrook. He was also a solid defender, and one of the best second-options ever when he played with Kareem. He only won one championship and one MVP, but he was still one of the most talented guys in the league. He is one of the most unique players in NBA history. What holds him back? Well, like I said, he only won one title, and to be honest: He's kind of a jerk. Not a bad teammate, but later on in his career he became very grouchy within his teammates and constantly blamed them for there small mistakes, and no one wants to play with anyone like that if they don't make them better. But besides his annoyance to play with, the Big O is still one of the most talented players ever. 

12. Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors

I have so much respect for Stephen Curry. By far the greatest shooter of all time. I still can't believe people who think Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, etc., etc. are better shooters than Steph Curry. I really wanted to put him in the top 10, but I just couldn't. Why? Three reasons: One, I just can't place him ahead of some of these next guys up. Two, he is not a good defender. He just isn't. And finally, it took him a while for his career to get going. But still: For career accomplishments, Curry has it all: He established himself as the greatest shooter ever. Off the screen, catch, dribble, mid-range, free throw, in contest. He can make it from everywhere. He is also underlooked as one of the best players at getting to the basket. He has incredible handles, is an underrated passer, and is just so freaking talented. He won two MVPs, one of them being one of the best seasons ever, and he won three titles. He still has at least five more years left in the tank, and I can't wait to see what else he can do, and how far he can climb on this list. Clearly the second best point guard off all time, and if he wins a couple more rings, or maybe MVPs, he has a chance to pass the greatest. 

11. Hakeem Olajuwon, C, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors

I was really close to putting Hakeem the Dream in the top ten, switching him with the next man up. But I just couldn't. He was one of the most unique and dominant players in NBA history. He won two championships, two finals MVP's, and one regular season MVP. To be completely far though, all of those accolades did happen when Jordan was out, but we still have to give him credit. He also won two defensive player of the year awards. I think he is the greatest big-man defender ever, barely ahead of Bill Russell, and possibly the best defender ever. Hakeem has a great nickname, a great legacy, several championships, an MVP. So his career accomplishments are good. But his skill is off the charts, with fabulous post moves, excellent defense. He has one of the most signature and unguardable moves in NBA history, the dream shake. Hakeem is only a top five center, which truly shows how many good centers there are in NBA history. 

10. Wilt Chamberlain, C, San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers

I don't have much respect for Wilt Chamberlain. I used to think the debate between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain was obvious. 11 rings vs 100 point game. Obviously 100 points right? Wilt won 4 MVPs in the 60s, and is probably the most dominant player in that generation, and maybe ever. He won only two titles however, compared to 11 from Bill Russell. He had one of the most dominant seasons ever, averaging 50 points and 25 rebounds. That is insane. To be far the league had much less talent back then, so I would say Wilt nowadays would average about 25 points, 15 rebounds. But that is not what makes me dislike Wilt. the argument between Russell and Chamberlain sometimes goes to the fact that he had better teams, but Wilt still played with great teams. But Wilt was a terrible teammate. He literally only cared about himself. He has so many records, and he always wanted them. For example, at one point he really wanted to lead the league in assists, so he passed up easy buckets to give bad passes to his teammates. He also never wanted to foul out, so at the end of games if he was in foul trouble, he would play very lazy defense. He wasn't a great defender, but he was a good scorer, rebounder, and passer. There were never be another season like Wilt's, but that doesn't mean that Wilt wasn't very selfish during his career. 

9. Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs

Mr. Fundamentals. The greatest power forward of all time. One of the best winners ever. Tim Duncan gets a lot of disrespect. In my opinion there are two different types of careers. Players who reach a specific peak at some point in there careers for a short amount of time, or players who put up similar stats but are always very consistent. Tim Duncan is one of those players, and yet is very talented. He won five championships and 3 of those in which he won Finals MVP. He won two regular-season MVP's. He was an all-star pretty much his whole career, give or take a few seasons at the start or end. He was a phenomenal defender, scorer, and passer for his position. Honestly there isn't a player I would want to play with more than Tim Duncan. He was a great teammate, and a fantastic leader. Some people pin it on Gregg Popovich, but that is just so disrespectful. Tim Duncan led a bunch of underrated players, and made them superstars, in Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. He is very underrated, talented, and had a fantastic career. 

8. Shaquille O'Neal, C, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics

I just want to say that Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal are very close. Pretty much tied. Duncan had a harder career, with less superstars than Shaq had, and Duncan probably had a better overall career. Shaq got to play with young Dwayne Wade, and young Kobe Bryant. He won four total championships, three with Kobe, one with Wade, and he won three finals MVP's and one regular season. He had one of the longest and successful careers, and was a 15 time all-star. But his talent and athleticism and size was extremely dominant. He is probably the most dominant center in NBA history. Using his extreme size and power, his brute force was like a truck against a car. He was a great defender, and a phenomenal offensive player. While there might be more huge players like Shaq in the next years to come, there will never be another player like Shaq who is as dominant. 

7. Bill Russell, C, Boston Celtics

One of the greatest winners in sports history. Eleven championships. A five time NBA MVP. 12 all-star appearances in 13 years. Bill Russell had one of the best careers ever. Highly underrated. When thinking of the 60s, you have to think of Bill Russell. He never had insane stats. He is the 60s version of Tim Duncan. He was a phenomenal rebounder and the second-best big man defender ever, the 2nd best center ever. A excellent defender, paint scorer, and all around teammate. Similar to Tim Duncan, Russell never put up insane stats. Maybe because he had great players with him. Maybe because he is just unselfish. Russell isn't the guy who will score 50, 25, and lose the game, like Wilt Chamberlain. No, Russell is the guy who puts up 19, 17, and 4 blocks, and also a few assists, and maybe some steals. The guy who is a great teammate and leader, and who will guarantees a win for your team. That's who Bill Russell is. The only thing holding me back is that there were much less talented players back then, and a much less teams. But it was still hard to win a title. Jerry West only won one. Elgin Baylor won none. Wilt only one two. Bill Russell? How about 11. In 13 years. The GOAT won 6 in 14 years. Bill Russell is phenomenal, and no one will ever be as successful. 

6. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

First of all, RIP Kobe Bryant. I was very close for swapping out Kobe with Larry Bird to make the top five, and as much as I wanted to, I just couldn't. But Kobe had a tremendous career. 20 years in the NBA, all with the Lakers. 18 all-stars. 5 championships with two finals MVP's (Cause he was with Shaq at the young stages of his career). One MVP. Kobe was a fantastic scorer, a great shooter from mid-range and 3. He was incredibly clutch, and a great athlete. He put in so much work to make it to the NBA. He is a very underrated defender, one of the best wing-defenders ever. The only thing that holds me back is one, he wasn't a great teammate or passer, and sometimes made questionable decisions. And two, he alone never dominated the league. Let me explain: In his younger years, it was the time of Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett. In his older years it was the time of Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Dwayne Wade. While this might not be his fault, he only won one MVP, and he never was really the best player in the world for more than a season or two. That being said, he was top three. Kobe had so much talent, some natural, but most of it earned through his hard work. RIP Black Mamba. We'll miss you. We'll miss your 81 points in one game. We'll miss your clutch at the end of the 4th quarter. We'll miss your trash talk, your will to destroy anything in your miss. Goodbye Kobe. We'll miss you. 

5. Larry Bird, SF, Boston Celtics

Like I said before, I almost switched Kobe and Larry, but I just couldn't. To be honest, Kobe had a much more impressive career, but I feel like Bird was a better all-around teammate and player. First of all, he won three championships, and Larry Bird helped the league a lot. The NBA wasn't very popular before he came into the league, and when he and Magic came in and started their rivalry, it really spiced up the NBA. He played with some Celtics teams, including one of the best teams ever in the 1986 Celtics. He turned McHale, Ainge, Johnson, and Parish all into better players. Bird dominated the league with his unique skills. My list for best shooters ever is Curry, Thompson, Allen, Bird, Miller. He was the first of all of those players, really showed the league how useful the three-point line could be. So he was a great shooter from anywhere, solid on defense, big and fast enough to get rebounds, and one of the best and underrated passers in the league. Larry Legend was extremely talented, the best Celtic out of so many, and most of all, he was an excellent teammate and leader. I know I said I'd want to play with Tim Duncan most, but Larry Bird could take that spot. A fantastic leader and teammate, definitely a player who deserves to be top-five all time. 

4. Magic Johnson, PG, Los Angeles Lakers

First things first: His name is Magic Johnson. Not Earvin Johnson. Not Earvin "Magic" Johnson. His name is Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard in NBA history. Stephen Curry will need at least a few more titles or MVP's for me to be convinced that he could be better. Magic and Larry had to be right next to each other, and I think Magic is better, so he is 4, Larry is 5. I think that Magic Johnson is the most physically unique point guard. The best passer and playmaker ever. And the best player on a fast break ever. Magic shred apart NBA defenses with his passing ability and unique size. I mean come on. A 6'9" point guard who is the best passer ever? How can that person not be in the top 5. Magic was a matchup nightmare. He is called Magic because he was a magician, with his no look passes, around the back, through the legs. He introduced so many new and captivating passing strategies. He won 5 titles, edging him out to be better than Bird. He won 3 MVPs and 3 Finals MVPs, and could play any position, which he did. Magic changed basketball for the better. He made it more exciting, enjoyable. He was a great leader and teammate and an even better friend. I love Steph Curry, but it will be very hard for him to pass Magic Johnson. 

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, C, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers

The greatest center in NBA history. The most success for the longest time. Actually, second most, I'll get to that later. Kareem dominated the game. He won six NBA championships going to the finals 10 times. 2 finals MVPs. He played in the league for 20 years and made 19 all-star games. So in his last year in his career he was still an all-star. That is ridiculous. 15 1st or second all-NBA teams. One of the greatest defenders and scorers ever. Leads the NBA in points of all time. Kareem is so talented, and he played for so long. So many players stop playing good once they get in there mid-30s. Not for Kareem. He played so well when he got old. People tend to pin his success on playing with Oscar Robertson, or Magic Johnson, and that might be true. Maybe big-men need guards to help them. But whatever. Kareem was extremely dominant. He made the single-hardest shot to block and guard ever. I would say in cases of hard to guard, you got Dirk's fadeaway, Durant's pull-up jumper, Hakeem's dream shake, and then the hardest, Kareem's Skyhook. Kareem might not have Wilts insane records, but he still has so many, lots of individual and team accomplishments, and so much skill. Easily the greatest center ever. 

2. Lebron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers

Here we are. The best small forward ever. The second-best player of all time. The greatest passer to not be a point guard. The best driver to the basket. The best player in the world for the longest amount of time. Has the best longevity ever, even better than Kareem. Three NBA championships, soon to possibly be four, with three different teams. Three finals MVPs, soon to possibly be four, with three different teams. Coming back from 3-1 against the best team in history record wise, Lebron cemented his case as one of the GOATs. One of the most physically unique and athletic and hardest to guard players ever. A four time MVP. 16 all-stars in a row. I am talking about Lebron James. Lebron was and still is the best player in the world. A 6'9" small forward with incredible strength, speed, and durability. No injuries. One of the best high school players ever. Top 5 passer ever, including point guards. A solid shooter, a great defender. Lebron James is 35 years old, and is the best player in basketball. What holds him back from Jordan? Not as great on defense, though Lebron still is fantastic, Jordan was just amazing. Also not as good of a shooter. Other than that? Titles. If Lebron wins one or two more titles, and maybe an MVP, he can probably will pass Jordan. The second best player of all time, and maybe the best, Lebron James. 

1. Michael Jordan, SG, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards

Even though Lebron is close, everyone has MJ as number one all-time. And if you don't, you are wrong. 6-0 in the NBA finals. He went to 14 all-stars and won 5 MVPs. He probably should have won more if people didn't get sick of giving it to him. Literally shut down so many great players who never won a championship just because he was there. Patrick Ewing. Clyde Drexler. Charles Barkley. Karl Malone. John Stockton. Reggie Miller. Gary Payton. Michael Jordan is the best player ever. He is the most talented. He had it all. When Michael Jordan walked into a room, everyone knew him. He helped expand the league to more foreign countries. He signed the greatest sports deal of all time. He was in the best sports movie with an actual athlete ever. Just his outside of basketball accomplishments deserve it. He was the guy who if you didn't worry about, he would shred you up. He always got the last word. So many memorable moments. The shot. The other shot. The flu game. The fathers day game. The dunk contest. Jordan was so fancy when he drove to the basket, doing phenomenal dunks, insane layups in which he twisted and spun and always put the ball in. One of the best perimeter defenders behind Scottie Pippen. A fantastic shooter from mid-range, solid from deep. Good handles, a good passer. He never shut it off. The most clutch player of all time. Jordan could literally do it all. In just his first few years in the league, he was dropping 40 points on the best players. What makes him number one? His determination. Once Lebron couldn't win a title, he went to play with two other superstars. Jordan spent seven years without winning a championship. He stuck with it, got past his rivals, and beat Magic and the Lakers in 5. Jordan was so good at everything. He always wanted to win, and if he lost one day, he was a guaranteed win the next day. He led his teammates with such a passion that they were almost forced to do well. While Lebron might pass Jordan, no one will ever put that much fear into the opposing team. No one will ever mean that much to a sport as much as Michael Jordan meant to basketball. 

Ok. That is my top 30 NBA players of all time. I wrote more about players who I knew more about, or who had more impact to basketball. Honorable mentions: Chris Paul, Bob Pettit, Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Patrick Ewing, Bob Cousy, Dave Cowens, George Gervin. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed. I know this one is pretty boring for those who don't really follow basketball, so sorry about that. There are so many good NBA players right now, and there have been for years. Thank goodness for the game of basketball, the NBA. Thank goodness for the players that have been role models, and encouraged people to work hard. Thank goodness. 

Once again, hope you all enjoyed:

The top 30 NBA players of all time.