1: Michael Jordan
By Adam Johnson
Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998)
Washington Wizards (2001-2003)
You do not need me to tell you how good Michael Jordan was, but here we go. The man was a monster in college at North Carolina, won a gold medal in ’84 before making his Bulls debut and upon making that debut was immediately one of the best players in the game. By 1988 he had become an absolute force on both ends of the court. In that famous season, ’87-’88, Jordan won the scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year and MVP, an unprecedented accomplishment. After falling short in the playoffs in ’89 and ’90, to the eventual champion “Bad Boy” Pistons, Jordan and the Bulls were ready to begin their reign in 1991. That year the Bulls swept the Pistons in the conference finals and then beat Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals. Jordan continued to rack up scoring titles and All-NBA Teams in ’92 and ’93, and the Bulls completed a three-peat by beating the Blazers in ’92 and the Suns in ’93. In that same time, Jordan competed on the 1992 USA Olympic Team, much better known as the Dream Team. Jordan was the main reason why basketball was exploding in popularity worldwide, however, in 1993; he would retire from the game he was absolutely dominating.
Imagining the best basketball player in the world retiring to play minor league baseball is kind of crazy. But it was a reality, as Jordan missed the entire ’93-’94 season to focus on baseball. In March of ’95, though, Jordan returned for the final 17 games of the season and the playoffs. In those playoffs, the Bulls fell to the Magic in the second round in six games. The following season the Bulls came out with a vengeance, setting the league ablaze on their way to a 72-10 record. Jordan picked up another scoring title and MVP in his first full season back. The Bulls obviously won the title that year, and then again in both ’97 and ’98, both times in six games over the Utah Jazz. Game 6 of the ’98 Finals proved to be MJ’s swan song as a member of the Bulls. It is a grueling performance and the finish is so symbolic of his career as a whole. His final minute from that game earned the #1 spot on our greatest moments list. Following the ’98 season, Jordan retired for a second time.
While the off court stuff doesn’t come into consideration on this particular list, it would be wrong to not at least mention it here, both the good and the bad. First of all, Jordan was a notoriously tough teammate and ruthlessly competitive. His style of leadership was not for everyone. He also had a gambling issue, partly due to his relentless competitiveness. It is part of what made him great but also was a struggle. This isn’t necessarily the place for conspiracy theories, but they are there in regards to gambling and Jordan’s first retirement. The “good” off-court part of Jordan’s persona is the fact that he absolutely changed the game from a marketing perspective. Jordan and his agent, David Falk, were masterful when it came to brand management. Speaking of brands, Jordan Brand is still one of the most recognizable in the world, and has turned into a billion dollar company. Jordan is almost single handedly responsible for elevating the league in many different ways.
In 2001, Jordan was essentially running the Washington Wizards when he decided he wanted to come back and play. He had missed the three previous seasons, but the itch was clearly there. Many people like to pretend that the Wizards phase of his career didn’t happen, but that is not what we do here. Jordan had an inefficient ’01-’02 season, playing in 60 games and only shooting 41.6% from the field. However, he bounced back a bit in the ’03 campaign, playing in all 82 games and shooting 44.5% on 18.6 attempts per game. The Wizards days were filled with flashes and moments from Jordan, but he lacked the same consistency that made him so great in Chicago.
Jordan finally played his last game in April of 2003, nearly 19 years after he was drafted. At his peak, Jordan is the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, and that may never change. However, this particular list is greatest career and there is a player right behind MJ that may one day take that crown. But for now, His Airness is the GOAT.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998)
Washington Wizards (2001-2003)
- 5-time NBA MVP (’88, ’91, ’92, ’96, ’98)
- 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- 6-time NBA Champion (’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
- 6-time NBA Finals MVP (’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
- 10-time All-NBA 1st Team (’87, ’88, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
- 1985 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 9-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’88, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
- 1985 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 14-time NBA All-Star
- 3-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (’88, ’96, ’98)
- 10-time NBA scoring champ (’87, ’88, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’98)
- 3-time NBA steals leader (’88, ’90, ’93)
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
You do not need me to tell you how good Michael Jordan was, but here we go. The man was a monster in college at North Carolina, won a gold medal in ’84 before making his Bulls debut and upon making that debut was immediately one of the best players in the game. By 1988 he had become an absolute force on both ends of the court. In that famous season, ’87-’88, Jordan won the scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year and MVP, an unprecedented accomplishment. After falling short in the playoffs in ’89 and ’90, to the eventual champion “Bad Boy” Pistons, Jordan and the Bulls were ready to begin their reign in 1991. That year the Bulls swept the Pistons in the conference finals and then beat Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals. Jordan continued to rack up scoring titles and All-NBA Teams in ’92 and ’93, and the Bulls completed a three-peat by beating the Blazers in ’92 and the Suns in ’93. In that same time, Jordan competed on the 1992 USA Olympic Team, much better known as the Dream Team. Jordan was the main reason why basketball was exploding in popularity worldwide, however, in 1993; he would retire from the game he was absolutely dominating.
Imagining the best basketball player in the world retiring to play minor league baseball is kind of crazy. But it was a reality, as Jordan missed the entire ’93-’94 season to focus on baseball. In March of ’95, though, Jordan returned for the final 17 games of the season and the playoffs. In those playoffs, the Bulls fell to the Magic in the second round in six games. The following season the Bulls came out with a vengeance, setting the league ablaze on their way to a 72-10 record. Jordan picked up another scoring title and MVP in his first full season back. The Bulls obviously won the title that year, and then again in both ’97 and ’98, both times in six games over the Utah Jazz. Game 6 of the ’98 Finals proved to be MJ’s swan song as a member of the Bulls. It is a grueling performance and the finish is so symbolic of his career as a whole. His final minute from that game earned the #1 spot on our greatest moments list. Following the ’98 season, Jordan retired for a second time.
While the off court stuff doesn’t come into consideration on this particular list, it would be wrong to not at least mention it here, both the good and the bad. First of all, Jordan was a notoriously tough teammate and ruthlessly competitive. His style of leadership was not for everyone. He also had a gambling issue, partly due to his relentless competitiveness. It is part of what made him great but also was a struggle. This isn’t necessarily the place for conspiracy theories, but they are there in regards to gambling and Jordan’s first retirement. The “good” off-court part of Jordan’s persona is the fact that he absolutely changed the game from a marketing perspective. Jordan and his agent, David Falk, were masterful when it came to brand management. Speaking of brands, Jordan Brand is still one of the most recognizable in the world, and has turned into a billion dollar company. Jordan is almost single handedly responsible for elevating the league in many different ways.
In 2001, Jordan was essentially running the Washington Wizards when he decided he wanted to come back and play. He had missed the three previous seasons, but the itch was clearly there. Many people like to pretend that the Wizards phase of his career didn’t happen, but that is not what we do here. Jordan had an inefficient ’01-’02 season, playing in 60 games and only shooting 41.6% from the field. However, he bounced back a bit in the ’03 campaign, playing in all 82 games and shooting 44.5% on 18.6 attempts per game. The Wizards days were filled with flashes and moments from Jordan, but he lacked the same consistency that made him so great in Chicago.
Jordan finally played his last game in April of 2003, nearly 19 years after he was drafted. At his peak, Jordan is the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, and that may never change. However, this particular list is greatest career and there is a player right behind MJ that may one day take that crown. But for now, His Airness is the GOAT.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #23 is retired by the Chicago Bulls
- His #23 is retired by the Miami Heat
- 2-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (’87, ’88)
- 2-time Olympic Gold Medal (’84, ’92, USA)
- 1982 NCAA Champion (North Carolina)
- 1984 Consensus national college player of the year (North Carolina)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’83, ’84, North Carolina)
- 1984 ACC Player of the Year (North Carolina)
- 2-time 1st Team All-ACC (’83, ’84, North Carolina)
- 1982 ACC Rookie of the Year
- His #23 is retired by the University of North Carolina
2: LeBron James
By Adam Johnson
Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-2010, 2014-2018)
Miami Heat (2010-2014)
Los Angeles Lakers (2018-present)
LeBron James is perhaps the best high school basketball prospect of all-time, and he has turned that hype into perhaps the greatest NBA career of all-time. He was drafted 1st overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and immediately made a huge impact on the franchise and the league. James won Rookie of the Year in 2004. In 2005, LeBron made his first All-Star and All-NBA Team, accomplishments that he has matched every year since then. The first seven years of LeBron’s career were played in Cleveland, where he blossomed into the best player in the league. The Cavs fell short in the playoffs in each of those campaigns, however, which led LeBron to sign with the Miami Heat in 2010. Obviously, that move has been written about many times over, but it led to maybe the best all-around basketball of James’ career. He won both MVP and Finals MVP in ’12 and ’13, his first two championships. In 2014, LeBron “came home” to Cleveland, and led the Cavs to four straight NBA Finals appearances. In 2016, James and the Cavs completed a legendary 3-1 comeback in the Finals against the favored Warriors, earning Cleveland their first championship in half a century and turning LeBron to an unquestioned icon. In 2018, LeBron moved into a new chapter in his career by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Whether or not you think LeBron is the greatest player of all-time or worthy of the discussion is kind of beside the point. The sheer amount of accomplishments and career numbers place him in the upper echelon of players to ever dribble a basketball. He is seventh all-time in total points and will at worst finish third all-time on that list. He is fourth all-time in points per game, and this is without scoring being his absolute best strength. His court vision is nearly unparalleled and his combination of size, strength and speed is totally unique. Plus, he has leaned into his role as a potential voice and inspiration for others, which has led to numerous incredible acts of donation and kindness to both students and the less fortunate. LeBron James came into the league with hype surrounding him that no one had ever experienced before. He has more than lived up to that hype, so don’t be surprised if he one day sits atop this list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Cleveland Cavaliers (2003-2010, 2014-2018)
Miami Heat (2010-2014)
Los Angeles Lakers (2018-present)
- 4-time NBA MVP (’09, ’10, ’12, ’13)
- 3-time NBA Champion (’12, ’13, ’16)
- 3-time NBA Finals MVP (’12, ’13, ’16)
- 12-time All-NBA 1st Team (’06, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17, ’18)
- 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’05, ’07)
- 5-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’09, ’10, ’11, ’12, ’13)
- 2014 NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
- 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 14-time NBA All-Star
- 2008 NBA scoring champion
LeBron James is perhaps the best high school basketball prospect of all-time, and he has turned that hype into perhaps the greatest NBA career of all-time. He was drafted 1st overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and immediately made a huge impact on the franchise and the league. James won Rookie of the Year in 2004. In 2005, LeBron made his first All-Star and All-NBA Team, accomplishments that he has matched every year since then. The first seven years of LeBron’s career were played in Cleveland, where he blossomed into the best player in the league. The Cavs fell short in the playoffs in each of those campaigns, however, which led LeBron to sign with the Miami Heat in 2010. Obviously, that move has been written about many times over, but it led to maybe the best all-around basketball of James’ career. He won both MVP and Finals MVP in ’12 and ’13, his first two championships. In 2014, LeBron “came home” to Cleveland, and led the Cavs to four straight NBA Finals appearances. In 2016, James and the Cavs completed a legendary 3-1 comeback in the Finals against the favored Warriors, earning Cleveland their first championship in half a century and turning LeBron to an unquestioned icon. In 2018, LeBron moved into a new chapter in his career by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Whether or not you think LeBron is the greatest player of all-time or worthy of the discussion is kind of beside the point. The sheer amount of accomplishments and career numbers place him in the upper echelon of players to ever dribble a basketball. He is seventh all-time in total points and will at worst finish third all-time on that list. He is fourth all-time in points per game, and this is without scoring being his absolute best strength. His court vision is nearly unparalleled and his combination of size, strength and speed is totally unique. Plus, he has leaned into his role as a potential voice and inspiration for others, which has led to numerous incredible acts of donation and kindness to both students and the less fortunate. LeBron James came into the league with hype surrounding him that no one had ever experienced before. He has more than lived up to that hype, so don’t be surprised if he one day sits atop this list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2017 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal (USA)
- 2-time Olympic Gold Medal (’08, ’12, USA)
- 2006 FIBA World Championship Bronze Medal (USA)
3: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
By Adam Johnson
Milwaukee Bucks (1969-1975)
Los Angeles Lakers (1975-1989)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lasted 20 seasons in the NBA, and this was after the greatest college career of all-time, where he captured three national titles and three player of the year awards during his time at UCLA. He was incredibly durable, only playing less than 76 games twice in 20 years. His list of accomplishments in the league is truly staggering. The man won six MVP’s (a record), scored 38,387 points (a record), was a 19 time All-Star (also a record), was named to 10 All-NBA 1st Teams, won two Finals MVP’s and won six championships.
Lew Alcindor was the name Kareem went by when he was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. In his first season he won Rookie of the Year and was named All-NBA 2nd Team. In his second season, the Bucks won the NBA title and Kareem won his first league MVP. After the ’75 campaign, though, Kareem wanted out of Milwaukee and was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The late 70’s saw Kareem dominate statistically, but he couldn’t drag a flawed Lakers roster to a title. Everything changed in 1979, however, when the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson. Kareem and Magic teamed up to make eight Finals appearances and win five titles in the 80’s, becoming the dominant team of the decade. In 1985, he won his second Finals MVP award, a full 14 years after his first, a remarkable achievement. Kareem played until 1989, when his body finally started to slow down at the age of 41. For some reason, maybe his prickly personality or lack of flash, Kareem isn’t brought up enough when debating the greatest players of all-time. Not here though, he belongs in the absolute top tier of anyone who has ever picked up a basketball.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Milwaukee Bucks (1969-1975)
Los Angeles Lakers (1975-1989)
- 6-time NBA MVP (’71, ’72, ’74, ’76, ’77, ’80)
- 6-time NBA Champion (’71, ’80, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88)
- 2-time NBA Finals MVP (’71, ’85)
- 10-time All-NBA 1st Team (’71, ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ’77, ’80, ’81, ’84, ’86)
- 5-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’70, ’78, ’79, ’83, ’85)
- 5-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’74, ’75, ’79, ’80, ’81)
- 6-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (’70, ’71, ’76, ’77, ’78, ’84)
- 1970 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 19-time NBA All-Star
- 2-time NBA scoring champion (’71, ’72)
- 1976 NBA rebounding leader
- 4-time NBA blocks leader (’75, ’76, ’79, ’80)
- #1 on the NBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar lasted 20 seasons in the NBA, and this was after the greatest college career of all-time, where he captured three national titles and three player of the year awards during his time at UCLA. He was incredibly durable, only playing less than 76 games twice in 20 years. His list of accomplishments in the league is truly staggering. The man won six MVP’s (a record), scored 38,387 points (a record), was a 19 time All-Star (also a record), was named to 10 All-NBA 1st Teams, won two Finals MVP’s and won six championships.
Lew Alcindor was the name Kareem went by when he was drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. In his first season he won Rookie of the Year and was named All-NBA 2nd Team. In his second season, the Bucks won the NBA title and Kareem won his first league MVP. After the ’75 campaign, though, Kareem wanted out of Milwaukee and was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The late 70’s saw Kareem dominate statistically, but he couldn’t drag a flawed Lakers roster to a title. Everything changed in 1979, however, when the Lakers drafted Magic Johnson. Kareem and Magic teamed up to make eight Finals appearances and win five titles in the 80’s, becoming the dominant team of the decade. In 1985, he won his second Finals MVP award, a full 14 years after his first, a remarkable achievement. Kareem played until 1989, when his body finally started to slow down at the age of 41. For some reason, maybe his prickly personality or lack of flash, Kareem isn’t brought up enough when debating the greatest players of all-time. Not here though, he belongs in the absolute top tier of anyone who has ever picked up a basketball.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #33 is retired by the Milwaukee Bucks
- His #33 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
- 3-time NCAA champion (’67, ’68, ’69, UCLA)
- 3-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (’67, ’68, ’69, UCLA)
- 3-time national college player of the year (’67, ’68, ’69, UCLA)
- 3-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’67, ’68, ’69, UCLA)
- His #33 is retired by UCLA
4: Bill Russell
Boston Celtics (1956-1969)
Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American team sports history. The man was the anchor of a true dynasty, the likes of which the league will never see again. In his 13 years with Boston, the Celtics won the title 11 times, the last two coming with Russell as the player/coach. He is the greatest defensive player of all-time and could kick-start Boston’s trademark fast break with pinpoint outlet passes. He led the league in rebounding five times and most likely would still hold the blocks record had that stat been reliably kept during his era. Not only was he a remarkable player but also a hero in the African-American community who championed racial equality and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. There will never be another Bill Russell.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Boston Celtics (1956-1969)
- 5-time NBA MVP (’58, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’65)
- 11-time NBA Champion (’57, ’59, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66, ’68, ’69)
- Finals MVP first named in '69 (Jerry West); award is now named after him
- 3-time All-NBA 1st Team (’59, ’63, ’65)
- 8-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’58, ’60, ’61, ’62, ’64, ’66, ’68)
- 1969 NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (first year all-defensive teams were named)
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 1963 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Bill Russell is the greatest winner in American team sports history. The man was the anchor of a true dynasty, the likes of which the league will never see again. In his 13 years with Boston, the Celtics won the title 11 times, the last two coming with Russell as the player/coach. He is the greatest defensive player of all-time and could kick-start Boston’s trademark fast break with pinpoint outlet passes. He led the league in rebounding five times and most likely would still hold the blocks record had that stat been reliably kept during his era. Not only was he a remarkable player but also a hero in the African-American community who championed racial equality and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. There will never be another Bill Russell.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #6 is retired by the Boston Celtics
- 1956 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 2-time NCAA Champion (San Francisco)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’55, ’56)
- 2-time Helms Player of the Year (’55, ’56)
- His #6 is retired by the University of San Francisco
5: Wilt Chamberlain
By Adam Johnson
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-1965)
Philadelphia 76ers (1965-1968)
Los Angeles Lakers (1968-1973)
Wilt Chamberlain was perhaps the most physically dominant basketball player to ever live. That is not to undermine the immense skill he possessed as a player, leading to seven NBA scoring titles and all kinds of scoring records. Wilt was also an excellent passer and shot blocker. After a season with the Harlem Globetrotters, Wilt spent the first six years of his NBA career with the Warriors franchise, where he racked up numerous accolades. In 1960 he was named league MVP and Rookie of the Year. In ’62 he put up utterly preposterous averages of 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game. That same year he scored an NBA record of 100 points in a single game. Following the ’62 season, the Warriors moved west to San Francisco, and Wilt made the move with the team. However, in 1965, Chamberlain was traded to a new (by way of Syracuse) Philadelphia franchise, the 76ers.
Chamberlain played three and a half seasons with the Sixers, where he won three straight MVP’s and led the team to the ’67 NBA title, the first of his career. Following the ’68 campaign, though, Wilt was again traded out west, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers. Wilt’s time with the Sixers and Lakers saw him become a better all around player. The Lakers made the Finals in four of the five seasons that Wilt was on the team and won it all in 1972. The ’72 Lakers were one of the greatest teams of all-time, as they ripped off an NBA record 33 straight wins during the regular season on their way to a 4-1 victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. The Lakers again played the Knicks in the Finals in ’73, but lost in five games, in what would prove to be Wilt Chamberlain’s final act as an NBA player.
Wilt Chamberlain is a hard player to rank on a list like this. There is an argument to be made that he should be #1, based on numbers alone. Yet, it is odd that despite being on some great teams and being so dominant as an individual he “only” won two NBA titles. That feels unfair for some reason. Some might punish him for the era he played in, saying he towered over everyone so of course he scored at will, but that isn’t fair to the other truly great players of his heyday. In the end, #5 felt just right. Wilt was a towering figure as a player and remains just that nearly 50 years after his playing days. He was a sheer force that should always be remembered in the basketball world.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors (1959-1965)
Philadelphia 76ers (1965-1968)
Los Angeles Lakers (1968-1973)
- 4-time NBA MVP (’60, ’66, ’67, ’68)
- 2-time NBA Champion (’67, ’72)
- 1972 NBA Finals MVP
- 7-time All-NBA 1st Team (’60, ’61, ’62, ’64, ’66, ’67, ’68)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’63, ’65, ’72)
- 2-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’72, ’73)
- 1960 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 13-time NBA All-Star
- 1960 NBA All-Star Game MVP
- 7-time NBA scoring champion (’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’64, ’65, ’66)
- 11-time NBA rebounding leader (’60, ’61, ’62, ’63, ’66, ’67, ’68, ’69, ’71, ’72, ’73)
- 1968 NBA assists leader
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Wilt Chamberlain was perhaps the most physically dominant basketball player to ever live. That is not to undermine the immense skill he possessed as a player, leading to seven NBA scoring titles and all kinds of scoring records. Wilt was also an excellent passer and shot blocker. After a season with the Harlem Globetrotters, Wilt spent the first six years of his NBA career with the Warriors franchise, where he racked up numerous accolades. In 1960 he was named league MVP and Rookie of the Year. In ’62 he put up utterly preposterous averages of 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game. That same year he scored an NBA record of 100 points in a single game. Following the ’62 season, the Warriors moved west to San Francisco, and Wilt made the move with the team. However, in 1965, Chamberlain was traded to a new (by way of Syracuse) Philadelphia franchise, the 76ers.
Chamberlain played three and a half seasons with the Sixers, where he won three straight MVP’s and led the team to the ’67 NBA title, the first of his career. Following the ’68 campaign, though, Wilt was again traded out west, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers. Wilt’s time with the Sixers and Lakers saw him become a better all around player. The Lakers made the Finals in four of the five seasons that Wilt was on the team and won it all in 1972. The ’72 Lakers were one of the greatest teams of all-time, as they ripped off an NBA record 33 straight wins during the regular season on their way to a 4-1 victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals. The Lakers again played the Knicks in the Finals in ’73, but lost in five games, in what would prove to be Wilt Chamberlain’s final act as an NBA player.
Wilt Chamberlain is a hard player to rank on a list like this. There is an argument to be made that he should be #1, based on numbers alone. Yet, it is odd that despite being on some great teams and being so dominant as an individual he “only” won two NBA titles. That feels unfair for some reason. Some might punish him for the era he played in, saying he towered over everyone so of course he scored at will, but that isn’t fair to the other truly great players of his heyday. In the end, #5 felt just right. Wilt was a towering figure as a player and remains just that nearly 50 years after his playing days. He was a sheer force that should always be remembered in the basketball world.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #13 is retired by the Golden State Warriors
- His #13 is retired by the Philadelphia 76ers
- His #13 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
- 1957 NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player (Kansas)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’57, ’58, Kansas)
- His #13 is retired by the University of Kansas
6: Magic Johnson
By Adam Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1991, 1996)
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is one of the rare players in sports history that can claim that he defined an entire decade in his sport. His rivalry with Larry Bird is one of the most famous in team sports history, as the league’s two marquee franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, did battle at the leagues summit multiple times in the 80’s. But the rivalry began in college, when Magic’s Michigan State squad beat Larry Bird’s Indiana State team to earn the 1979 NCAA title. After that, the Lakers made Magic the 1st pick in the ’79 draft.
Magic immediately became a star, teaming up with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to form the best duo in league history. In his rookie year, Magic played center for the injured Kareem in game 6 of the 1980 Finals and turned in one of the most famous performances in league history. That game won Magic his first of three Finals MVP awards. Two years later, he would repeat that feat.
Throughout the 80’s, the Lakers dominated the western conference, making trips to the Finals eight out of ten years in the decade. The Lakers earned five championships during Magic’s tenure, with the oversized point guard taking the mantle from Kareem as the team’s best player in the back half of the decade. Magic won his first NBA MVP in 1987, then took that award home two more times in ’89 and ’90. In 1991, Magic led the Lakers to the Finals again, where they lost to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, however, that series was Magic’s final act in meaningful NBA action, as he announced the following November that he was HIV positive.
The HIV virus was a confusing thing in 1991, when Magic announced he had contracted it. People didn’t totally know how to deal with it then and it forced Magic into early retirement. He did have a couple of moments in 1992, however. The first was at the All-Star Game in Orlando, where he put on a show. The second was as a member of the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics. Despite a 36-game (including playoffs) comeback in 1996, Magic’s basketball career had run its course. However, Magic’s off court business life has continued to thrive and he now plays a major role in both the Dodgers and Lakers franchises. His business acumen is almost as legendary as his passing ability. Magic Johnson is a true basketball icon in every sense of the word.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1991, 1996)
- 3-time NBA MVP (’87, ’89, ’90)
- 5-time NBA Champions (’80, ’82, ’85, ’87, ’88)
- 3-time NBA Finals MVP (’80, ’82, ’87)
- 9-time All-NBA 1st Team (’83, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87, ’88, ’89, ’90, ’91)
- 1982 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 1980 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 2-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (’90, ’92)
- 4-time NBA assists leader (’83, ’84, ’86, ’87)
- 2-time NBA steals leader (’81, ’82)
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is one of the rare players in sports history that can claim that he defined an entire decade in his sport. His rivalry with Larry Bird is one of the most famous in team sports history, as the league’s two marquee franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, did battle at the leagues summit multiple times in the 80’s. But the rivalry began in college, when Magic’s Michigan State squad beat Larry Bird’s Indiana State team to earn the 1979 NCAA title. After that, the Lakers made Magic the 1st pick in the ’79 draft.
Magic immediately became a star, teaming up with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to form the best duo in league history. In his rookie year, Magic played center for the injured Kareem in game 6 of the 1980 Finals and turned in one of the most famous performances in league history. That game won Magic his first of three Finals MVP awards. Two years later, he would repeat that feat.
Throughout the 80’s, the Lakers dominated the western conference, making trips to the Finals eight out of ten years in the decade. The Lakers earned five championships during Magic’s tenure, with the oversized point guard taking the mantle from Kareem as the team’s best player in the back half of the decade. Magic won his first NBA MVP in 1987, then took that award home two more times in ’89 and ’90. In 1991, Magic led the Lakers to the Finals again, where they lost to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Unfortunately, however, that series was Magic’s final act in meaningful NBA action, as he announced the following November that he was HIV positive.
The HIV virus was a confusing thing in 1991, when Magic announced he had contracted it. People didn’t totally know how to deal with it then and it forced Magic into early retirement. He did have a couple of moments in 1992, however. The first was at the All-Star Game in Orlando, where he put on a show. The second was as a member of the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics. Despite a 36-game (including playoffs) comeback in 1996, Magic’s basketball career had run its course. However, Magic’s off court business life has continued to thrive and he now plays a major role in both the Dodgers and Lakers franchises. His business acumen is almost as legendary as his passing ability. Magic Johnson is a true basketball icon in every sense of the word.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #32 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
- 1992 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award
- 1992 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 1979 NCAA Champion (Michigan State)
- 1979 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (Michigan State)
- 1979 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Michigan State)
- 1978 NABC 2nd Team All-American (Michigan State)
- His #33 is retired by Michigan State
7: Tim Duncan
By Adam Johnson
San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016)
The story of Tim Duncan and how he became one of the ten greatest players of all-time has been well documented. He grew up a swimmer in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and came to basketball late. Swimming’s loss was definitely basketball’s gain.
Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, after a stellar career at Wake Forest, Duncan immediately made a huge impact on his new team. He took home Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, as well as being named to the All-NBA 1st team. In just his second season, the 50-game, lockout shortened season, the Spurs would win their first NBA championship on the back of Duncan and fellow twin tower, David Robinson. Duncan was magnificent in the Finals, taking home the Finals MVP award and cementing his place among the game’s very elite.
The following year was a slight disappointment as a knee injury to Duncan limited him late in the season and forced him to miss the playoffs. In ’01 he led the Spurs to the best record in the league and the conference finals. However, the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, who were on their way to their second title of a three peat, swept the Spurs. It was obvious that the Spurs roster needed an injection of youth.
The 2001-02 season saw Duncan win his first MVP award, but the eventual champion, Lakers, again bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. That season did mark the debut of a young French point guard by the name of Tony Parker and the following season would see the debut of one Manu Ginobili. If 2002 were a high point for TD, the 2002-03 season would be his masterpiece. Duncan again won MVP, leading the league in win shares and putting up 23.3 point, 12.9 rebound, 3.9 assist and 2.9 block per game averages. This time in the playoffs the Spurs would defeat the Lakers in the second round and go on to win the title in a better-than-remembered Finals against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets. Oh, Duncan won Finals MVP, capping off the series with a Game 6 line of 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks.
The next season Duncan again put together terrific numbers in the first year sans Robinson, but the Spurs would fall short to the Lakers in the second round. In ‘05 the Spurs won the title over the Detroit Pistons. In ’06 S.A. lost an absolutely epic series to the Dallas Mavericks in 7 games. In ’07 he won his fourth title by sweeping LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
By Adam Johnson
San Antonio Spurs (1997-2016)
- 2-time NBA MVP (’02, ’03)
- 5-time NBA Champion (’99, ’03, ’05, ’07, ’14)
- 3-time Finals MVP (’99, ’03, ’05)
- 10-time All-NBA 1st Team (’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05, ’07, ’13)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (‘06, ’08, ’09)
- 2-time All-NBA 3rd Team (‘10, ’15)
- 8-time All-Defensive 1st Team (’99, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’07, ’08)
- 7-time All-Defensive 2nd Team (’98, ’04, ’06, ’09, ’10, ’13, ’15)
- 1998 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 15-time NBA All-Star
- 2000 NBA All-Star Game Co-MVP
- San Antonio Spurs all-time leader in games, minutes, points, rebounds and blocks
The story of Tim Duncan and how he became one of the ten greatest players of all-time has been well documented. He grew up a swimmer in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and came to basketball late. Swimming’s loss was definitely basketball’s gain.
Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 draft by the San Antonio Spurs, after a stellar career at Wake Forest, Duncan immediately made a huge impact on his new team. He took home Rookie of the Year honors in his first season, as well as being named to the All-NBA 1st team. In just his second season, the 50-game, lockout shortened season, the Spurs would win their first NBA championship on the back of Duncan and fellow twin tower, David Robinson. Duncan was magnificent in the Finals, taking home the Finals MVP award and cementing his place among the game’s very elite.
The following year was a slight disappointment as a knee injury to Duncan limited him late in the season and forced him to miss the playoffs. In ’01 he led the Spurs to the best record in the league and the conference finals. However, the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, who were on their way to their second title of a three peat, swept the Spurs. It was obvious that the Spurs roster needed an injection of youth.
The 2001-02 season saw Duncan win his first MVP award, but the eventual champion, Lakers, again bounced the Spurs from the playoffs. That season did mark the debut of a young French point guard by the name of Tony Parker and the following season would see the debut of one Manu Ginobili. If 2002 were a high point for TD, the 2002-03 season would be his masterpiece. Duncan again won MVP, leading the league in win shares and putting up 23.3 point, 12.9 rebound, 3.9 assist and 2.9 block per game averages. This time in the playoffs the Spurs would defeat the Lakers in the second round and go on to win the title in a better-than-remembered Finals against Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets. Oh, Duncan won Finals MVP, capping off the series with a Game 6 line of 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks.
The next season Duncan again put together terrific numbers in the first year sans Robinson, but the Spurs would fall short to the Lakers in the second round. In ‘05 the Spurs won the title over the Detroit Pistons. In ’06 S.A. lost an absolutely epic series to the Dallas Mavericks in 7 games. In ’07 he won his fourth title by sweeping LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
This is the thing about Tim Duncan, you can keep going year after year and the trend is the same. He and his team played at an incredibly high level and competed for championships. The last third of his career only did more to increase his standing as the greatest player of his generation. Where others started to crumble, he changed his body and his game to remain the anchor of some great teams. In 2013 he was named All-NBA 1st Team for the 10th time in his career, he put together a great playoff run and Finals and came agonizingly close to his 5th ring. The following season he put the pain of 2013 behind him and helped lead the Spurs to a 4-1 Finals win over the team that had beaten them in the championship round the season before, the Miami Heat.
As his career wound down it was obvious that TD couldn’t carry the same load he once did for San Antonio. But Duncan knew that, which is another strength of his. His ability (probably learned from David Robinson) to let other, younger players take the reigns of the team is a huge reason why he was still competing for titles as he approached 40 years old. Make no mistake that is a skill. Even in his last (statistically his worst) season he was able to be the backbone of one of the greatest defensive teams of all-time.
The best way to describe Tim Duncan’s career is subtle, consistent greatness. Other greats of the game may have been better marketed or had a game more tailor made to fit the wants of the masses, but Duncan quietly passed them by. His place in history is unquestioned and both his franchise and the game will greatly miss him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Personal Anecdote
My family was lucky enough to have season tickets for the Spurs my entire childhood and early adulthood. I saw Tim Duncan play live way too many times to count. His retirement hit hard, which is why we at the Pantheon decided to go into greater detail in another piece.
As his career wound down it was obvious that TD couldn’t carry the same load he once did for San Antonio. But Duncan knew that, which is another strength of his. His ability (probably learned from David Robinson) to let other, younger players take the reigns of the team is a huge reason why he was still competing for titles as he approached 40 years old. Make no mistake that is a skill. Even in his last (statistically his worst) season he was able to be the backbone of one of the greatest defensive teams of all-time.
The best way to describe Tim Duncan’s career is subtle, consistent greatness. Other greats of the game may have been better marketed or had a game more tailor made to fit the wants of the masses, but Duncan quietly passed them by. His place in history is unquestioned and both his franchise and the game will greatly miss him.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 2015 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award
- His #21 is retired by the San Antonio Spurs
- 2-time ACC Player of the Year (Wake Forest, ’96, ’97)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (Wake Forest, ’96, ’97)
- His #21 is retired by Wake Forest University
- 2004 Olympic Bronze Medal (USA)
Personal Anecdote
My family was lucky enough to have season tickets for the Spurs my entire childhood and early adulthood. I saw Tim Duncan play live way too many times to count. His retirement hit hard, which is why we at the Pantheon decided to go into greater detail in another piece.
8: Larry Bird
By Adam Johnson
Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
It is probably impossible to overstate Larry Bird’s contributions to the game of basketball. From his storied career at Indiana State, to his legendary run in Boston and final statement on the Dream Team, Bird left behind a basketball legacy almost unrivaled. By the way, he also is the only man to be named NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Not bad for a “Hick from French Lick”.
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird decided to play his final season at Indiana State before actually signing with the pro club. The college basketball world greatly benefited from this decision as the 1979 title game between Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans remains the highest rated college basketball game of all-time. There is plenty more on that game as well as Bird and Magic’s college careers in Seth Davis’ excellent, “When March Went Mad”. We are mostly here to talk about Bird’s NBA career, though, so off we go.
Larry’s Boston tenure started with a bang, with him winning rookie of the year and the Celtics improving their record by 32 wins from the season before. The Celtics would make the eastern conference finals where they began an underrated rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston lost in five games to the Sixers that year but got revenge and more in 1981. Down 3-1 in the series, Boston rallied to win three straight to win the east and earn their first finals berth since 1976. Bird was brilliant in the Philly series, averaging nearly 27 points per game and hitting the de facto game winner in game seven. The Celtics would go on to win the title, beating the Houston Rockets in six games.
In 1982, Bird averaged nearly 23, 11 and 6, but the Celtics would fall to Philly in another classic seven game series in the eastern conference finals. In 1983 the Milwaukee Bucks (with Bird missing a game due to injury and not playing up to his lofty standards all series) swept the Celtics in the second round. 1984 would be different, however, as Bird shined in the year that truly changed the league forever.
The NBA in 1984 was in a great spot after a mixed decade and a half filled with a merger, drug controversy and bogus “race issues”. The league was filled with loads of stars and its marquee franchises were at the peak of their powers as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were on a collision course for the NBA Finals. During the regular season, the Celtics compiled a 62-20 record before beating the Bullets, Knicks and Bucks on the way to the Finals. The Lakers held up their end of the bargain, setting up Bird v. Magic, five years on from their epic NCAA title game clash.
The 1984 Finals is perhaps the most important playoff series in league history. Television audiences grew immensely for CBS and the hype around the matchup was more akin to what we are used to now. Each game was like an event with its own story line. LA takes the first game in Boston, the Celtics then respond with a classic victory in game two. The Lakers rout the Celtics in game three in the Forum, Bird then calls his teammates “a bunch of sissies” before the Celtics respond with another classic win in game four. Boston wins game five, the Lakers take game six and the series fittingly goes seven games. The Celtics won the decider, 111-102, as Bird was named Finals MVP. Weeks later, the 1984 draft brought in some decent players, you might have even heard of a few of them.
The next two seasons Bird was named league MVP for the second and third time, a three-peat if you will, a feat no one has accomplished since then. In 1985, the Lakers got revenge, beating the Celtics in six games in the Finals. In 1986, Boston would win their third title of the decade with one of the best teams in the history of the league. Bill Walton was added to the team before the season, a risk that paid off and only added to the Celtics already ridiculous collection of passing brilliance. Boston went 67-15 that season then rolled through the playoffs, going 15-3, beating Houston in the Finals. Bird was outstanding in game six, scoring 29 points, with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals, taking his perch atop the game.
In 1987, Magic Johnson put together his own MVP campaign, then symbolically grabbed the torch from Bird as the league’s best player with his iconic “baby skyhook” in game four of the ’87 Finals. That is not to say Bird had some sort of off year though. He finished the season with 50-40-90 shooting percentages and averaged better than 28 points per game with 15.2 win shares and a 26.4 PER. Outrageous season, really. His 1988 campaign was probably even better; 29.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 52.7, 41.4, 91.6 shooting percentages, 15 win shares and 27.8 PER.
The first nine years of Larry Bird’s career really are remarkable. His teams won three titles, made two Finals and three conference finals appearances. He was an All-Star and All-NBA 1st team in every season from ’80-‘88, a wild accomplishment. The man was a shooting assassin of the highest level, a clutch performer unrivaled and a legendary trash talker. His defense was underrated, rebounding better than people realize and passing brilliant. Larry Bird was truly a complete player.
By Adam Johnson
Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
- 3-time NBA MVP (’84, ’85, ’86)
- 3-time NBA Champion (’81, ’84, ’86)
- 2-time NBA Finals MVP (’84, ’86)
- 9-time All-NBA 1st Team (’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’84, ’85, ’86, ’87, ’88)
- 1990 All-NBA 2nd Team
- 3-time All-Defensive 2nd Team (’82, ’83, ’84)
- 1980 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 1982 All-Star Game MVP
- 2-time Member of the 50-40-90 club
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
It is probably impossible to overstate Larry Bird’s contributions to the game of basketball. From his storied career at Indiana State, to his legendary run in Boston and final statement on the Dream Team, Bird left behind a basketball legacy almost unrivaled. By the way, he also is the only man to be named NBA MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. Not bad for a “Hick from French Lick”.
Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird decided to play his final season at Indiana State before actually signing with the pro club. The college basketball world greatly benefited from this decision as the 1979 title game between Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans remains the highest rated college basketball game of all-time. There is plenty more on that game as well as Bird and Magic’s college careers in Seth Davis’ excellent, “When March Went Mad”. We are mostly here to talk about Bird’s NBA career, though, so off we go.
Larry’s Boston tenure started with a bang, with him winning rookie of the year and the Celtics improving their record by 32 wins from the season before. The Celtics would make the eastern conference finals where they began an underrated rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston lost in five games to the Sixers that year but got revenge and more in 1981. Down 3-1 in the series, Boston rallied to win three straight to win the east and earn their first finals berth since 1976. Bird was brilliant in the Philly series, averaging nearly 27 points per game and hitting the de facto game winner in game seven. The Celtics would go on to win the title, beating the Houston Rockets in six games.
In 1982, Bird averaged nearly 23, 11 and 6, but the Celtics would fall to Philly in another classic seven game series in the eastern conference finals. In 1983 the Milwaukee Bucks (with Bird missing a game due to injury and not playing up to his lofty standards all series) swept the Celtics in the second round. 1984 would be different, however, as Bird shined in the year that truly changed the league forever.
The NBA in 1984 was in a great spot after a mixed decade and a half filled with a merger, drug controversy and bogus “race issues”. The league was filled with loads of stars and its marquee franchises were at the peak of their powers as the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics were on a collision course for the NBA Finals. During the regular season, the Celtics compiled a 62-20 record before beating the Bullets, Knicks and Bucks on the way to the Finals. The Lakers held up their end of the bargain, setting up Bird v. Magic, five years on from their epic NCAA title game clash.
The 1984 Finals is perhaps the most important playoff series in league history. Television audiences grew immensely for CBS and the hype around the matchup was more akin to what we are used to now. Each game was like an event with its own story line. LA takes the first game in Boston, the Celtics then respond with a classic victory in game two. The Lakers rout the Celtics in game three in the Forum, Bird then calls his teammates “a bunch of sissies” before the Celtics respond with another classic win in game four. Boston wins game five, the Lakers take game six and the series fittingly goes seven games. The Celtics won the decider, 111-102, as Bird was named Finals MVP. Weeks later, the 1984 draft brought in some decent players, you might have even heard of a few of them.
The next two seasons Bird was named league MVP for the second and third time, a three-peat if you will, a feat no one has accomplished since then. In 1985, the Lakers got revenge, beating the Celtics in six games in the Finals. In 1986, Boston would win their third title of the decade with one of the best teams in the history of the league. Bill Walton was added to the team before the season, a risk that paid off and only added to the Celtics already ridiculous collection of passing brilliance. Boston went 67-15 that season then rolled through the playoffs, going 15-3, beating Houston in the Finals. Bird was outstanding in game six, scoring 29 points, with 11 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals, taking his perch atop the game.
In 1987, Magic Johnson put together his own MVP campaign, then symbolically grabbed the torch from Bird as the league’s best player with his iconic “baby skyhook” in game four of the ’87 Finals. That is not to say Bird had some sort of off year though. He finished the season with 50-40-90 shooting percentages and averaged better than 28 points per game with 15.2 win shares and a 26.4 PER. Outrageous season, really. His 1988 campaign was probably even better; 29.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 52.7, 41.4, 91.6 shooting percentages, 15 win shares and 27.8 PER.
The first nine years of Larry Bird’s career really are remarkable. His teams won three titles, made two Finals and three conference finals appearances. He was an All-Star and All-NBA 1st team in every season from ’80-‘88, a wild accomplishment. The man was a shooting assassin of the highest level, a clutch performer unrivaled and a legendary trash talker. His defense was underrated, rebounding better than people realize and passing brilliant. Larry Bird was truly a complete player.
Unfortunately, it is the last four years of his career, hampered by almost constant injuries that keep him from climbing even higher on this list. In 1989 he only played six games and missed the playoffs. He responded with a great season in ’90, playing 75 games and leading the league in free throw percentage at 93%. In ’91 Bird missed 22 games but helped lead the Celtics to the second round with a throwback performance, scoring 32 points in game five of the first round against Indiana. The ’92 season would end up Bird’s last, as he averaged just over 20 points per game in 45 games.
Larry Bird’s basketball career wasn’t over quite yet, though. In the summer of ’92 Larry Legend played for The Dream Team and won a gold medal in Barcelona. It was the perfect way to cap off a one of a kind career.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Larry Bird’s basketball career wasn’t over quite yet, though. In the summer of ’92 Larry Legend played for The Dream Team and won a gold medal in Barcelona. It was the perfect way to cap off a one of a kind career.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- 1998 NBA Coach of the Year (Indiana Pacers)
- 2012 NBA Executive of the Year (Indiana Pacers)
- His #33 is retired by the Boston Celtics
- 3-time NBA 3-point shootout champion (’86, ’87, ’88)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (Indiana State, ’78, ’79)
- 1979 National Player of the Year (Indiana State)
- 1992 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
9: Hakeem Olajuwon
Houston Rockets (1984-2001)
Toronto Raptors (2001-2002)
The #1 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft was Akeem Olajuwon, who had just had a remarkable college career at the University of Houston. He didn’t have to travel far to get to his pro team, which was the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon immediately made an impact on the Rockets, making the All-Rookie 1st Team in 1985. In 1986 he helped lead the Rockets to the Finals, where they fell short to the Boston Celtics. Olajuwon was a force for the remainder of the 80’s, but as the 90’s rolled in, the team struggled just a bit. After two ever so slightly down (relative to him) seasons, Olajuwon put together a four year run from ’92-’96 that rivals any player in league history. In that time the Rockets won the ’94 and ’95 titles, with Hakeem (his new name) being named MVP of both Finals series. He also won league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in ’94, in one of the most dominant individual seasons in the history of the sport. As the 90’s wound down, Hakeem remained effective but had lost a step. In 2001, his time in Houston came to an end and he ended up playing his final season in Toronto with the Raptors.
Olajuwon was a dominant force on both ends of the floor and is still the league’s all-time leader in block shots. His footwork in the post was impeccable, and he owes much of that to his time as a goalkeeper during his youth in Nigeria. Olajuwon’s two-way ability and incredible consistency land him in the top 10 of our list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
Houston Rockets (1984-2001)
Toronto Raptors (2001-2002)
- 1994 NBA MVP
- 2-time NBA Champion (’94, ’95)
- 2-time NBA Finals MVP (’94, ’95)
- 6-time All-NBA 1st Team (’87, ’88, ’89, ’93, ’94, ’97)
- 3-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’86, ’90, ‘96)
- 3-time All-NBA 3rd Team (’91, ’95, ’99)
- 5-time NBA All-Defensive 1st Team (’87, ’88, ’90, ’93, ’94)
- 4-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (’85, ’91, ’96, ’97)
- 1985 NBA All-Rookie 1st Team
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 2-time NBA rebounding leader
- 3-time NBA blocks leader
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
The #1 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft was Akeem Olajuwon, who had just had a remarkable college career at the University of Houston. He didn’t have to travel far to get to his pro team, which was the Houston Rockets. Olajuwon immediately made an impact on the Rockets, making the All-Rookie 1st Team in 1985. In 1986 he helped lead the Rockets to the Finals, where they fell short to the Boston Celtics. Olajuwon was a force for the remainder of the 80’s, but as the 90’s rolled in, the team struggled just a bit. After two ever so slightly down (relative to him) seasons, Olajuwon put together a four year run from ’92-’96 that rivals any player in league history. In that time the Rockets won the ’94 and ’95 titles, with Hakeem (his new name) being named MVP of both Finals series. He also won league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in ’94, in one of the most dominant individual seasons in the history of the sport. As the 90’s wound down, Hakeem remained effective but had lost a step. In 2001, his time in Houston came to an end and he ended up playing his final season in Toronto with the Raptors.
Olajuwon was a dominant force on both ends of the floor and is still the league’s all-time leader in block shots. His footwork in the post was impeccable, and he owes much of that to his time as a goalkeeper during his youth in Nigeria. Olajuwon’s two-way ability and incredible consistency land him in the top 10 of our list.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #34 is retired by the Houston Rockets
- 1996 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 1984 Consensus 1st Team All-American (Houston)
- 1984 SWC Player of the Year (Houston)
- 1983 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (Houston)
- His #34 is retired by the University of Houston
10: Shaquille O'Neal
By Adam Johnson
Orlando Magic (1992-1996)
Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004)
Miami Heat (2004-2008)
Phoenix Suns (2008-2009)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2010)
Boston Celtics (2010-2011)
Shaq. That name means so many different things to the millions of fans the big man had around the world. The former LSU standout was a massive personality that burst onto the NBA scene after the Orlando Magic made him the first pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. O’Neal lasted four seasons in Orlando, where he won Rookie of the Year, was named All-NBA three times and an All-Star four times. He also helped lead the Magic to the Finals in ’95, but in the summer of ’96, he signed a big money free agent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaq’s time in L.A. is what he will be best remembered for, as he became the most dominant force in the game as the calendar turned to the new century. In 2000, Shaq won the All-Star Game, regular season and Finals MVP awards in a season for the ages. He won two more titles in ’01 and ’02, taking home Finals MVP on both occasions. In 2004, the Lakers made the Finals again, where they lost to the Detroit Pistons. That would prove to be O’Neal’s last action with the Lakers as the rift between he and Kobe Bryant had become too tense. In the summer of 2004, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat.
Just two years later, the Heat won their first title in franchise history, with Shaq taking a slight step back to allow Dwyane Wade to flourish. In February of 2008, Shaq was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he lasted a season and a half. In 2009, the All-Star Game was held in Phoenix and Shaq made his final appearance in the midseason classic, also taking home MVP honors. The final two years of “The Diesel’s” career were split between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Shaq retired in 2011, and was immediately hired by TNT, adding to their immensely popular basketball coverage.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
By Adam Johnson
Orlando Magic (1992-1996)
Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004)
Miami Heat (2004-2008)
Phoenix Suns (2008-2009)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-2010)
Boston Celtics (2010-2011)
- 2000 NBA MVP
- 4-time NBA champion (’00, ’01, ’02, ’06)
- 3-time NBA Finals MVP (’00, ’01, ’02)
- 8-time All-NBA 1st Team (’98, ’00, ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04, ’05, ’06)
- 2-time All-NBA 2nd Team (’95, ’99)
- 4-time All-NBA 3rd Team (’94, ’96, ’97, ’09)
- 3-time NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team (’00, ’01, ’03)
- 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year
- 15-time NBA All-Star
- 3-time NBA All-Star Game MVP (’00, ’04, ’09)
- 2-time NBA scoring champion (’95, ’00)
- One of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players (named in ’96)
- Basketball Hall of Famer
Shaq. That name means so many different things to the millions of fans the big man had around the world. The former LSU standout was a massive personality that burst onto the NBA scene after the Orlando Magic made him the first pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. O’Neal lasted four seasons in Orlando, where he won Rookie of the Year, was named All-NBA three times and an All-Star four times. He also helped lead the Magic to the Finals in ’95, but in the summer of ’96, he signed a big money free agent deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaq’s time in L.A. is what he will be best remembered for, as he became the most dominant force in the game as the calendar turned to the new century. In 2000, Shaq won the All-Star Game, regular season and Finals MVP awards in a season for the ages. He won two more titles in ’01 and ’02, taking home Finals MVP on both occasions. In 2004, the Lakers made the Finals again, where they lost to the Detroit Pistons. That would prove to be O’Neal’s last action with the Lakers as the rift between he and Kobe Bryant had become too tense. In the summer of 2004, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat.
Just two years later, the Heat won their first title in franchise history, with Shaq taking a slight step back to allow Dwyane Wade to flourish. In February of 2008, Shaq was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he lasted a season and a half. In 2009, the All-Star Game was held in Phoenix and Shaq made his final appearance in the midseason classic, also taking home MVP honors. The final two years of “The Diesel’s” career were split between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. Shaq retired in 2011, and was immediately hired by TNT, adding to their immensely popular basketball coverage.
Other accomplishments that didn’t factor into this ranking
- His #34 is retired by the Los Angeles Lakers
- His #32 is retired by the Miami Heat
- 1996 Olympic Gold Medal (USA)
- 1994 FIBA World Championship Gold Medal (USA)
- 1994 FIBA World Championship MVP
- 1991 College national player of the year (LSU)
- 2-time Consensus 1st Team All-American (’91, ’92, LSU)
- 2-time SEC Player of the Year (’91, ’92, LSU)
- His #33 is retired by LSU