(The original text was published on July 15, and was evaluated by the open-air stands. The content of the article does not represent the translator's views)
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20, Julius Irving
Main honors: 1 NBA championship, 2 ABA championships, 4 MVPs (1 NBA, 3 ABA), 16 All-Stars, 7 NBA All-Series, 5 ABA All-Advanced Team, 1 Best Defensive Team, Career Data: Average of 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2 steals and 1.7 blocks, shooting percentage of 50.6%
Total Season: 16
Julius Irving's career has achieved brilliant achievements in both the ABA and the NBA. He is one of nine players to score more than 30,000 points and one of only six players to win at least four MVP awards, as well as Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Bill Russell - all of whom are the top ten candidates in history.
Decades have passed, and Dr. J's wonderful collection is still amazing. His one-handed ending move is clever and seems to have infinite time to stagnate. His game style is both smooth and gorgeous, full of MVP-level strength.
Even if you don't consider his achievements in both leagues, you should realize that he is an icon in two different leagues and his performance in each league is enough to get him into the Hall of Fame.
The highest ranking: 17
The lowest ranking: 27
19, David Robinson
Main honors: 2 championships, 1 MVP, 1 best player, 10 best team, 10 All-Stars, 8 best teams, 1 scoring champion, Rookie of the Year Career Data: 21.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 3 blocks, shooting percentage 51.8% from the field: 14
David Robinson's military career allowed him to enter the NBA until he was 24 years old, which made him lose some statistics, which could have further enhanced his Hall of Fame career. However, this also made him appear as a fully mature superstar. In his rookie season, he averaged 24.3 points, 12 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game, easily won the Best Rookie Award, and ranked sixth in the MVP selection. In addition, he was selected for the All-Star, All-Squad and All-Defensive Team. Since then, Robinson has maintained a very high level of competition until he missed most games due to injuries in the 1995-96 season. This injury caused him to play only six games in the 1996-97 season, but the team was able to pick Tim Duncan in the draft.
It can be said that the greatest season in Robinson's career was the season when he hardly played. As an amazing all-around athlete, Robinson has been almost unrivaled on the court for the entire decade. He and Michael Jordan are the only players to win both the defense and scoring champion in their careers.
The highest ranking: 14th place
The lowest ranking: 35th place
18, Nowitzki
Main honors: 1 championship, 1 MVP, 1 Finals MVP, 14 All-Stars, 12 Best Team Career data: 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, shooting percentage of 47.1%
Total seasons: 21
Larry Bird is a classic big player who opens up space, and Dirk Nowitzki is the representative of making this role cool. It's hard to say when watching a 7-foot player shoot from mid-range and out of the three-point line, or even a one-foot jumper. This is a visual feast, an alien phenomenon, and even a spiritual experience.
Nowitzki's offensive arsenal and its influence lay the foundation for the big players who have opened up space in modern times. Nowadays, being able to shoot three points is no longer so valuable. You also need to have dribbling, create opportunities, and make decisions to stand out.
He spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, which also added color to his legend. In 2011, he led the team to defeat the Miami Heat, which has a super roster, and won the only championship. However, his most impressive achievement is probably his endurance. Vince Carter, Robert Parish, Kevin Willis, Kevin Garnett and LeBron James are the only players who can play for more than 20 seasons, and Nowitzki is one of the superstars who know how to adjust their playing style as they age and change their environment.
The highest ranking: 15
The lowest ranking: 27
17, Jokic
Main honors: 1 championship, 3 MVP, 1 Finals MVP, 7 All-Stars, 6 Best Teams Career data: Average of 21.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting percentage of 56%, three-point shooting percentage of 36%
Total seasons: 10
Nikola Jokic started to discuss whether he is the best passer big man ever. Now, the debate is over. What is more worth exploring now is where his field vision and passing ability lie among all excellent passers. Even without a definite answer, the answer is extremely admirable: He is one of the best organizers in NBA history, regardless of height or position.
In history, few players have been able to significantly improve their teammates' performance as Jokic has. His ball handling speed is unparalleled and almost undisturbed. His selfless way of playing inspires every teammate, and even experienced veterans will change their playing style as a result - run faster and work harder, optimize timing and space, and enhance their teamwork awareness.
Although Jokic is known for passing, he has also developed a deadly high-scoring arsenal that is enough to support a championship team, as he did with the Denver Nuggets. James Harden, Trae Young, Oscar Robertson, Luca Doncic and LeBron James are the only players who averaged at least 24 points and 7 assists in multiple seasons.
Of all players with a career usage rate of at least 25%, Jokic has the highest two-point shooting percentage at 61.1%, which is a very stunning stat because he often stays away from the basket and shoots difficult jumpers, throws and the iconic Sobor slippers against tight defense.
As his career progresses, his position in the historical ranking is expected to continue to rise. At present, he has barely failed to enter the top 15 in history.
The highest ranking: 12
The lowest ranking: 28
16, Garnett
Main honors: 1 championship, 1 MVP, 1 best defensive player, 9 best team, 15 All-Stars, 12 best team, 4 rebounds, 4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks, shooting percentage of 49.7% in total: 21
Garnett is famous for his unremitting fighting spirit and top-level defensive diversity. He is the first high school player to be selected since 1974. In his fourth season of his career, he became a regular-season MVP and is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Despite having spent more than a decade of tough years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Garnett’s play style is clearly suitable for playing on a championship team. He proved this after joining the Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season, winning the Best Defensive Player Award and finally winning the championship trophy.
From the 2003-04 season to the 2006-07 season, Garnett led the rebounding list for four consecutive years, and is still the first in history in total defensive rebounds.
Garnett and Olajuwon are the only two players with at least 2,000 blocks and 1,800 steals in their careers, and Garnett is tied for the first place in history with others, being selected for the All-Defensive Team nine times.
The highest ranking: 13
The lowest ranking: 24
15, Jerry West
Main honors: 1 championship, 1 finals MVP, 14 All-Stars, 12 Best Team, 5 Best Team, 1 Scoring King
Career data: Average of 28 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 2.6 steals per game, shooting percentage of 47.4%
Total seasons: 13
Jerry West has achieved brilliant achievements in his career as a player and management staff. Here we focus mainly on his performance on the court, but his outstanding contributions in both areas deserve mention.
West's statistics are often underestimated. Of all players who reached 25,000 points, only six players outperformed him in assists. It's not without reason that people call him "Key Mr.": He is still in the top ten in the playoffs scoring table, and only nine players can match his ten-time first-team NBA All-A-League record. Although he won only once, that doesn't hide his success in the playoffs. There are only three players in history who have participated in more Finals matches than he has.
The highest ranking: 12
The lowest ranking: 20
14, Oscar Robertson
Main honors: 1 championship, 1 MVP, 11 best team, 12 All-Stars, NBA Rookie of the Year, 7 assists, Career data: 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists per game, shooting percentage 48.5%
Total season number: 14
Oscar Robertson's best performance was in the decade of the Cincinnati Royals, an era where blocks and steals have not been recorded and three-pointers have not yet appeared. Still, he is considered one of the representatives of the “all-round” players, which fully demonstrates his groundbreaking influence in game style and statistics.
Decades before Russell Westbrook was close to a triple-double average, Robertson achieved this feat in his second season of his career, averaging 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists in the 1961-62 season.
Of course, due to the faster pace of the game and relatively loose defense at the time, most of his data had a timely expansion. But Robertson clearly stood out among his peers, and he ranked fifth in his annual MVP voting rankings from 1960-61 to 1967-68 seasons.
Highest historical ranking: 11
Lowest historical ranking: 23
13, Durant
Main honors: 2 championships, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVP, 11 Best Team, 15 All-Stars, 4 Scoring King, Rookie of the Year Career Data: Average of 27.2 points, 7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1 steal and 1.1 block, shooting percentage of 50.2%, three-point shooting percentage of 39%
Total seasons: 17
Durant can be said to be the purest scorer in NBA history. At 6 feet 11 inches (about 2.11 meters), he has smooth outside skills that most defenders envied. Whether it is long shots or scoring at the basket, he can easily deal with it, especially mid-range shooting, which is unique in the world. Durant is the only player who averages at least 27 points in his career, and has an overall shooting percentage of more than 50% and a three-point shooting percentage of more than 39%..
Durant has been in many careers and has failed to lead the team to the championship as an absolute leader, which is a pity for him. In addition, living in an era with James, Curry and Jokic also influenced his historical status. If he stayed in the Thunder, he might have led the team to the championship; and he might have missed more championship opportunities when leaving the Warriors.
Nevertheless, none of this affects him as one of the most efficient and lethal offensive players in NBA history. Last season, Durant, 36, still averaged 26.6 points per game, shooting 52.7% from the field, 43% from three-pointers and 83.9% from free throws, proving that he is still not old.
The highest ranking: 11th place
The lowest ranking: 20th place
12, Olajuwon
Main honors: 2 championships, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVP, 2 Best Defensive Player, 12 Best Team, 12 All-Stars, 9 Best Team Career Data: Average of 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 3.1 blocks, shooting percentage of 51.2%
Total seasons: 18
After Michael Jordan switched to the baseball field, many superstars could have filled this vacancy, but Olajuwon was the most powerful one. Even though he was over thirty years old and no longer a defensive spoiler like he did in his early career, Olajuwon still won MVP and best defensive player honors in the 1993-94 season and won his first personal championship. The following year, he led the sixth-ranked Rockets to win the second consecutive championship, and head coach Rudy Tomjanovic then delivered the classic "Never underestimate a champion's heart."
Olajuwon, who averaged more than 4 blocks per game and led the league rebounding list twice, is considered one of the six best defensive players in NBA history. He combines agility, footwork and height, making him an extremely threatening scorer. People remember his dream dance steps.
The highest ranking: 10
The lowest ranking: 16
11, Kobe Bryant
Main honors: 5 championships, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVP, 18 All-Stars, 15 All-Squad, 12 Best Defensive Team, 2 Scoring King
Career data: 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting percentage of 44.7%
Total seasons: 20
Kobe Bryant's data and honors are self-evident. His five championship titles in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers are impressive, but what is even more commendable is his ability to maintain his superstar status for a long time.
Kobe tied with Tim Duncan and Jabbar, becoming the second most selected player in the NBA All-American team in history, second only to LeBron James' 21 times.
It can be said that Kobe is one of the most influential players in the NBA. His peak period spanned two different eras: one was the era of mythology and the other was the era of social media, which allowed his influence and brand to be more widely spread, thus further strengthening his legendary status.
The older generation of fans still admire his crazy work attitude, and players of his contemporaries often regard him as a source of inspiration for style. From a basketball reputation perspective, no one has had an impact on the sport that spans multiple generations like Kobe.
In 2025, the debate over whether Kobe is in the top ten in history remains one of the hottest topics in basketball.
The highest ranking: 4
The lowest ranking: 18
10, Curry
Main honors: 4 championships, 2 MVPs, 1 Finals MVPs, 11 All-Stars, 11 Best Team, 2 Scoring King, 1 Stealing King, Career Data: Average of 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.5 steals, shooting percentage of 47.1%, three-point shooting percentage of 42.3%
Total seasons: 16
No one in active or recently retired players has a greater impact on basketball games than Stephen Curry, even including the best candidate in history, LeBron James. Curry has long been hailed as the greatest shooter in league history, but he proved that he has more than that.
He is not the first NBA player to attract an entire defensive system, but he is the first to take advantage of this appeal in so many different and comprehensive ways. His presence makes the team better.
Curry's honors are self-evident, but the background behind these honors is little known. The Golden State Warriors are lucky enough to have multiple excellent squads, but without Stephen, none of these squads can reach their peak and may not even exist at all. His ability to cooperate with any player is immeasurable scalability. He is unique in terms of quality and style.
The highest ranking: 4
The lowest ranking: 13
9, Chamberlain
Main honors: 2 championships, 4 MVPs, 10 Best Team, 13 All-Stars, 7 Score King, 2 Best Team, NBA Rookie of the Year Career Data: Average of 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists, shooting percentage of 54%
Total Seasons: 14
Chamberlain's career began in the 1959-60 season, when he averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game for the Philadelphia Warriors, winning the title of Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player. After just two seasons, his average playing time reached 48.5 minutes and his score was as high as 50.4 points..
On March 2, 1962, he scored 100 points in a single game; on November 24, 1960, he grabbed 55 rebounds in a single game; on December 8, 1961 and February 2, 1969, he played in the game for 63 minutes twice. No one has more amazing single-game or full-season stats than Chamberlain.
In the 1967-68 season, Chamberlain intended to become the league's assist king simply because he wanted to do so. In the end, he ranked first in the league with 702 assists. These incredible data demonstrate Chamberlain’s absolute physical advantage. His size, strength and flexibility have reached an unprecedented level, and the young NBA simply cannot stop him.
The highest ranking: 4
The lowest ranking: 11
8, Larry Bird
Main honors: 3 championships, 3 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, NBA Rookie of the Year, 12 All-Stars, 10 Best Team, 3 Best Team Defensive Career Data: Average of 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game, shooting percentage of 49.6%, and 3-point shooting percentage of 37.6%
Total seasons: 13
Although other legendary players have longer careers, Larry Bird's 13-year career is still extremely influential. He is a pioneer of the "all-round big guy" and his performance outside the three-point line is revolutionary, and these skills are still applicable in today's NBA.
Although he is not the most explosive player on the court, Bird can always use his height to play a role in the defensive end. His ability to fill data sheets from multiple angles is still unmatched. LeBron James and Scottie Pippen are the only two other players to match Bird in assists, 3-pointers and blocks.
The highest ranking: 5
The lowest ranking: 12
7, Tim Duncan
Main honors: 5 championships, 2 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs, 15 Best Team, 15 All-Stars, 15 Best Team Defensive Career Data: Average of 19 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.2 blocks, shooting percentage of 50.6%
Total seasons: 19
The best defensive player since Russell, Duncan played a core role in the San Antonio Spurs' dynasty for nearly two decades. He ranks second in his career defensive victory contribution, and Duncan's record of being selected for the best defensive team for 15 times may never be broken. In 16 of his 19 seasons with the Spurs, the team ranked in the top five in the league in defense, yet it is incredible that he never won the title of Defensive Player of the Year.
Over the years, the Spurs have made many adjustments around Duncan. From a double tower lineup with David Robinson to becoming an early practitioner of the three-point revolution, Duncan has always been the core of the team, and he can adapt to the ever-changing teammate lineup whether it is shooting or leading the team to win the championship.
A team, nineteen years, has no controversy, only countless victories. Duncan's position as the best big player of his era is unshakable.
The highest ranking: 5th
The lowest ranking: 11th
6, Shaquille O'Neal
Main honors: 4 championships, 1 MVP, 3 Finals MVP, 1993 Rookie, 15 All-Stars, 14 Best Team, 3 Best Team, 2 Scoring King
Career data: Average of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks, shooting percentage of 58.2%
Total seasons: 19
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, it is Shaquille O'Neal. Perhaps no player has ever shown such a strong pressure in every attack like him. Early O'Neal was probably the closest to his peak and excellent defense Zion Williams we've ever seen. Even later, despite his physical fitness being questioned, he was still unstoppable at low posts and rushing to the basket. The power to call him "overwhelming" is actually not enough to describe his strength. Many times, the opponent has almost no way to face his attack.
Many believe that O'Neal might have had a higher historical position if he had maintained a crazier training attitude at his peak. Maybe this is true. No matter how you evaluate his work ethics, being able to persist in the NBA for nearly two decades has proved his lasting strength.
And he still ranks first among all players with a two-point shooting percentage of 58.3%, which fully demonstrates his unshakable dominance.
The highest ranking: 5
The lowest ranking: 9
5, Bill Russell
Main honors: 11 championships, 5 MVPs, 11 best teams, 12 All-Stars, 4 rebounds and kings, Career data: Average of 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, shooting percentage of 44%
Total seasons: 13
All you can do is completely suppress the opponent in front of you, and no one can do it more thoroughly than Russell.
As the greatest defensive player of all time, Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. It is true that the league was different from now on, but the success of the Celtics is still undeniable, all thanks to Russell's existence.
The Celtics have been underperforming offensively in his career, with offensive efficiency below league averages in 12 of his 13 seasons. There were even two occasions where they ranked last in the offense, but they still won the championship. In the 12 seasons, the Celtics' defense was the best in the league, and the worst was ranked second (1967-68 season).
Although there are no blocks and steals recorded in Russell's career, his overall title says it all.
The highest ranking: 4
The lowest ranking: 10
4. Magic Johnson
Main honors: 5 championships, 3 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs, 12 All-Stars, 10 All-Squad, 4 assists, 2 steals, Career data: Average of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.9 steals, shooting percentage of 52%
Total seasons: 13
The battle for the greatest point guard in history is mainly concentrated on two players: Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry. Most people may lean towards the former because he is more in line with the traditional definition of point guard.
No matter which side you support, the Magician is widely regarded as one of the top five players in history, not just the top ten. The reason is obvious. He has all the necessary conditions: the ever-winning general, the data madman, and the all-round player unique to the times, all-around.
Even today, decades after his retirement, "Passing Like a Magician" remains the default praise for any outstanding organizer. In fact, he is the only player to have a career average of more than 11 assists.
In addition, he has become one of only three players in history to win three regular season MVPs and three finals MVPs.
The highest ranking: 3
The lowest ranking: 6
3, Jabbar
Main honors: 6 championships, 6 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 15 best teams, 19 All-Stars, 11 best teams, NBA Rookie of the Year, 2 scoring champions, career data: 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game, shooting percentage of 55.9%
Total seasons: 20
Before LeBron James surpassed him in 2024, Jabbar had always been the NBA's historical scoring leader. Not only does he have impressive data and a long career, he also has an unmatched peak period and has won six MVP awards.
As a rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1969-70 season, he ranked third in the MVP voting. In the following twelve seasons, his MVP rankings have never fallen below fifth place. He won three more MVPs with the Los Angeles Lakers after winning three MVPs with the Bucks.
Jabbar scored 1,837 goals and still ranked first in history.
His iconic sky hook shot has been replicated for half a century. His goggles, social awareness and willingness to give up his core position for Magic Johnson at the end of his career are just part of his unparalleled career.
The highest ranking: 1st
The lowest ranking: 4th
2, LeBron James
Main honors: 4 championships, 4 MVPs, 4 Finals MVPs, 21 Best Team, 21 All-Stars, 6 Best Team, 1 Scoring King, 1 Assistant Score, 1 Assistant King, Rookie of the Year Career Data: Average 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals, shooting percentage of 50.6%, and three-point shooting percentage of 34.9%
If LeBron James' career is divided into three segments, each segment is enough to allow him to enter the Hall of Fame. As the NBA's record-breaking player with the most playing time, James has made it to the Finals ten times and played for three different teams. He is one of only four players to have at least four championship rings and four MVP trophys (the other three are Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Jabbar), and James is the only player to beat the Spurs and Warriors dynasty in the finals in the late 2010s.
James is a talented passer, dominant scorer, and an impeccable defender at his peak, redefining the NBA's standards of durability. Whether in terms of data volume, peak performance or cultural influence, James is qualified to be called "the best in history" (GOAT). If you think he is the greatest player in history, that makes perfect sense because the gap between him and Jordan is minimal.
The highest ranking: 1
The lowest ranking: 3
1, Michael Jordan
Main honors: 6 championships, 5 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs, 11 best teams, 14 All-Stars, 9 best teams, 1 best defender, NBA Rookie of the Year, 10 best scoring champions
Career data: Average of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, shooting percentage of 49.7%, and 32.7% from three-point shooting percentage of 32.7% in total: 15
Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player in basketball history. He has the highest career average score in NBA history and achieved a perfect record of 6 wins and 0 losses in the Finals. However, his influence goes far beyond data and awards.
From a cultural point of view, no one has a greater influence on basketball than Jordan. From his signature shoes to becoming the top player in the sport, Jordan set an example for later NBA superstars. Almost every modern-day top player draws something from Jordan. Kobe Bryant followed his work attitude and on-field performance, while LeBron James drew on his image shaping and market strategy.
Although some people think LeBron James can compete for the first place in history with his higher scoring efficiency, passing ability and a lasting career, Jordan has never lost on the most important stage, and his performance at his peak almost reached a godly level.
The highest ranking: 1
The lowest ranking: 2
source:7m cn tieng viet