When it comes to basketball greatness, conversations about the best NBA players of all time always spark intense debates. Whether you're a fan who follows stats religiously or someone who cherishes unforgettable moments on the court, everyone has an opinion on who should be crowned the greatest. From towering centers to sharpshooting guards, the NBA's history is rich with talent and extraordinary performances.
Basketball fans hold legends like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird in high regard. Modern superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O'Neal also make strong cases for inclusion in any "greatest of all time" discussion. These players have not only racked up impressive stats but have also left memorable marks with their skills and leadership.
Now is your chance to have a say. Scroll through our list, and don't forget to vote on your favorite NBA players ever. Your votes will help determine who really deserves to be called the NBA GOAT.
- 1
6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
- Team: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
- Position: Shooting guard, Small forward
- 1Scottie Pippen627 Votes
- 2Dennis Rodman410 Votes
- 3Steve Kerr177 Votes
- 2
4× NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
4× NBA Finals MVP (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020)
4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
18× NBA All-Star (2005–2022)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008, 2018)
13× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2018, 2020)
5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
NBA scoring champion (2008)
NBA assists leader (2020)- Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Power forward
- 3
6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)
19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989)
10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986)
5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970)
2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972)
NBA rebounding champion (1976)
4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
- Position: Center
- 1Magic Johnson370 Votes
- 2Oscar Robertson278 Votes
- 3James Worthy262 Votes
- 4
5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)
9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)
2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)
NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Position: Shooting guard
- 1Shaquille O'Neal535 Votes
- 2Pau Gasol328 Votes
- 3Lamar Odom152 Votes
- 5
5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
3× NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990)
12× NBA All-Star (1980, 1982–1992)
2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1990, 1992)
9× All-NBA First Team (1983–1991)
NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
4× NBA assists leader (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
2× NBA steals leader (1981, 1982)
- Position: Point guard, Power forward
- 1Kareem Abdul-Jabbar293 Votes
- 2James Worthy175 Votes
- 3Bob McAdoo98 Votes
- 6
4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002)
NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009)
8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000)
- Team: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
- Position: Center
- 1Good Burger154 Votes
- 2Blue Chips119 Votes
- 3Scary Movie 442 Votes
