Basketball PlayersPhoto by Markus Spiske

Do you love basketball or are you hoping to get into the sport?

If you’re a fan of the NBA, you’ll always support your favorite basketball players with their games!

As they become more prominent, however, you might wonder how far they’ve come. You might think about their current rankings for both fame and skill.

This post lists the best NBA players who ever graced the hardcourt. Read on and find out whether your favorite is among them.

1. Michael Jordan

He’s the top basketball player in NBA—a living legend in basketball. When the ball is with him, the audience often anticipates something great to happen. Air Jordan rarely fell short of their expectations, regardless of their location in the world.

Jordan is a versatile player, defying gravitational laws by launching himself off further than ever seen when making dunks. He’s also notorious for his fadeaway shot since opponents often found it impossible to block. His exceptional ball handling makes him an unstoppable force, deserving of the top spot of NBA legends.

2. Magic Johnson

This player’s name isn’t for show since his brilliant passes can make magic happen on the court. Unlike other famous players, Magic didn’t have the strength or leaping capabilities.

But his court domination is because of a unique approach—drawing the defense to him and letting his teammates score.

He passes the ball to an open teammate once two defenders are on him. It’s a simple strategy, but Magic made it almost unpredictable. He’s the living proof that basketball is all about team synergy.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Also known as Cap, Kareem proved that his insane height wasn’t his only advantage. His hook shots were legendary, with near-perfect accuracy and impossible to block. This secures his team plenty of two points the moment he stretched his hands.

He gave his 100% regardless of the game’s importance. He set the bar for a lot of future NBA players, but he remained humble. This and his impeccable sportsmanship made him a lovable icon, even today.

Here’s one fun fact: he also trained under legendary martial artist, Bruce Lee!

4. Larry Bird

Bird defied convention by becoming one of the most famous basketball players for three-point shots. He’s also an excellent dribbler, which made his shots beyond the three-point line more effective. This NBA legend can also carry the ball through the court, even through tight defense despite his height.

His reliable three-pointers often saved the Celtics. His swift drives with a fake towards the basket helped lead his team toward multiple championships during his tenure.

5. Hakeem Olajuwon

One of the top 10 NBA players for the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon kept the team’s dream alive. His exceptional skills rallied his team and made them nigh-unstoppable. He made the Rockets formidable with Charles Barkley.

His tall and muscular build made it easy for him to grab rebounds and gain a positional advantage. But he shines best with his perimeter shooting. To pin him down, teams need at least two of their biggest players.

6. Wilt Chamberlain

He’s one reason basketball became a worldwide craze. His reliable scoring earned him a spot in NBA’s hall of fame, garnering 100 points in a single game. Chamberlain’s offensive power comes from his height and athleticism.

He can maneuver mid-air despite his height. Once he gains momentum, Chamberlain’s opponents found him hard to pin down. Couple that with his dunks and rebounds, he was a force of nature.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

He has the strength, size, and height to dominate the games he’s in. It takes at least two large players to stop him. He improved on his only weakness, free throws, to show his dedication to basketball.

The LA Lakers were almost unbeatable after Shaq partnered with Kobe Bryant. The team’s offense depended on their duo, and they always delivered. But O’Neal shined brightest with his defensive capabilities, which blocked almost any shot within his range.

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8. Kobe Bryant

Most people will argue that the Black Mamba deserves a higher spot on this list. But it’s fair considering the accomplishments of higher-ranking players. Despite his similarities with Michael Jordan’s playstyle, Bryant’s uniqueness came from his readiness to give everything to win games.

His farewell game was also his best. His team won and he scored 60 points. Regardless, he’s one of NBA’s most passionate NBA players of all time, stepping out of Jordan’s shadow to earn his spot as an NBA legend.

9. LeBron James

The reason he’s at the bottom two on this list is that his career hasn’t ended yet. He has the potential to earn more accolades, but as it stands, it isn’t as prestigious as the other hall of fame members. Despite his height and strength, LeBron hasn’t reached the impact made by Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant during their tenure.

The good news is that LeBron’s impact is palpable in the current NBA basketball era. But his career is ongoing, meaning he can still rise. His accomplishments remain untainted even after he missed the 2019 Playoffs after joining the Lakers.

10. Kevin Durant

Durant is a unique NBA basketball player. His height makes him eligible as a center, but he forged his path. His long arms made it almost impossible for anyone to block his jump shot. His shooting is precise, and it’s coupled with his sound mentality.

Most people criticized his move to join the Golden State Warriors. It doesn’t change the fact that he won two NBA Championships while garnering the Finals MVP title. But to become the best NBA player of this era, Durant has a lot to prove.

Learn About NBA Basketball Players Today!

This is the list of the top basketball players in the NBA. Do you agree with this list? Who do you think should be the top player?

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