Why do some NBA players continue to be revered long after they retire? One only needs to look at the top 10 best nba players of all time to understand this phenomenon. Michael Jordan, for instance, is synonymous with basketball excellence. He scored an average of 30.1 points per game during his career. He wasn’t just scoring points, though – he made scoring look effortless, defying the laws of physics with his jump shots and dunks. If you were to compare Jordan’s peak years to any player’s prime, his stats are mind-blowing. How do you average 30.4 points per game over an entire season? Dominance.
Next, think about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His signature skyhook shot is still nearly impossible to replicate with its perfect arc and inevitable swish. Abdul-Jabbar also holds the record for most points scored in an NBA career at 38,387 points. This kind of record speaks volumes about his skills and consistency. Players today, like LeBron James, are chasing this record but may require several more seasons of peak performance to even come close.
Speaking of LeBron, his versatility sets him apart. He’s one of the few players who can genuinely play all five positions on the floor. His all-around game, with career averages of 27 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, shows how much he contributes every night. It’s not just that he’s tall and strong – it’s that he has the basketball IQ to make those stats come to life. Basketball aficionados often compare him to Magic Johnson, another legend who redefined what a point guard could be with his 6’9″ frame and incredible court vision.
Magic Johnson’s rivalry with Larry Bird revolutionized the NBA. Bird, known for his precise shooting and basketball intellect, won three MVP awards and three NBA championships. His average of 24.3 points per game doesn’t even begin to explain how clutch he was in big moments. Johnson and Bird elevated the NBA’s popularity and brought fans back to the sport during the 80s. The league’s finances soared as ratings doubled and game attendance surged, showcasing the immense popularity they commanded.
Shaquille O’Neal’s sheer physicality combined with his skill makes him almost mythical. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, he dominated the paint like no other, and this wasn’t just brute strength. Shaq had footwork and a finesse around the basket that belied his size. He ended his career averaging 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. His impact was immediate, much like Wilt Chamberlain’s, who once scored 100 points in a single game, a feat still talked about today.
Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” has become a philosophy for many. He won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star. His 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors is the stuff of legend, showcasing the kind of scoring ability that makes players unforgettable. Bryant’s incredible work ethic and will to win inspired countless young athletes, and his legacy lives on through them.
Tim Duncan is often underrated but just as deserving of reverence. Known as “The Big Fundamental,” his game was not flashy, but his consistency and technical prowess led the San Antonio Spurs to five NBA championships. With career averages of 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, Duncan’s reliable performance and leadership were key to his team’s success.
Bill Russell is another player whose impact on the game goes far beyond numbers, although his stats are impressive with 11 NBA championships. His defensive prowess, leadership, and ability to control the game on both ends made him a titan in NBA history. He averaged 22.5 rebounds per game over his career – dominance on the boards like that simply doesn’t happen anymore.
Hakeem Olajuwon’s footwork in the post is still studied by big men today. Known for his “Dream Shake,” Olajuwon combined agility with power to average 21.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game throughout his career. His defensive skills were equally elite, earning him two Defensive Player of the Year awards and placing him among the only four players to record more than 3,000 career blocks.
Lastly, there’s Dirk Nowitzki, whose one-legged fadeaway shot has become something every kid growing up playing basketball in the 2000s wanted to emulate. Dirk’s career was marked by his consistent scoring ability and his impact on the game as one of the best foreign players in NBA history. He ended his career with over 31,000 points, showcasing longevity and unforgettable moments, like winning the 2011 NBA championship against a stacked Miami Heat team.
In conclusion, each of these players brought something unique to the game, whether it was through their record-breaking stats, unique playing styles, leadership, or transformative impact on the league itself. Their contributions continue to resonate with fans, young athletes, and the sport’s history books, making their legacies eternal.