It’s time for Britannica—alright, one editor at Britannica—to delve into the perpetually debated realm of the ‘greatest ever in [insert sport here]’ discourse. While we may not be a dedicated sports platform, this editor (hello!) has spent close to three decades avidly following sports and engaging in spirited debates about them with friends. Naturally, this list is highly subjective and shouldn’t be regarded as gospel. Unless, of course, you happen to agree with me, in which case, this may just be the most significant piece I’ve ever penned.
1. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson– Oh man, this individual. Although I wasn’t around to witness his playing days firsthand, his stats are so staggering that I often wish for a time machine solely to witness his brilliance on the court. In the 1961–62 season, “The Big O” managed to achieve the rare feat of averaging a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game. And let’s not forget, this 12-time All-Star was also instrumental in ushering in true free agency in the NBA through a groundbreaking antitrust lawsuit, a feat as remarkable as his awe-inspiring performances on the hardwood.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Granted, Chamberlain showcased his talents during an era when basketball lacked the athletic specimens we witness today, and post players were generally smaller. However, his sheer dominance warrants a top-five placement irrespective of the context. Chamberlain’s name is synonymous with basketball greatness, evidenced by his unprecedented achievements. The four highest single-season scoring averages in NBA history belong to Chamberlain—achieved within his first four professional seasons.
His most iconic feat occurred on March 2, 1962, when he astonishingly scored 100 points in a single game, a record likely to stand the test of time. Not limited to scoring, Chamberlain’s prowess extended to rebounding, surpassing Bill Russell with an average of 22.9 rebounds per game, all while maintaining the highest average minutes played in league history at 45.8. Remarkably, during his illustrious 14-year career, Chamberlain only missed out on an All-Star selection once, in 1970, when injury restricted him to just 12 regular-season games. Despite this setback, he still managed to rally his team to the NBA finals upon his return, a testament to his indomitable spirit and skill.
3. Magic Johnson
One of the most exuberant personalities to grace the NBA, Johnson’s infectious charm played a pivotal role in the league’s surge in popularity during the 1980s. However, his impact extended far beyond his captivating smile. Johnson’s extraordinary passing abilities laid the foundation for the iconic “Showtime” era of the Los Angeles Lakers, which clinched five championships during his 13-year tenure with the franchise. Standing at 6’9″, Johnson defied convention as the NBA’s tallest point guard, boasting the league’s highest assists-per-game average of 11.2. His versatility shone through in every aspect of his game. Notably, as a 20-year-old rookie, he famously filled in at center for the injured Abdul-Jabbar in the title-deciding game six of the 1980 NBA Finals.
While unrelated to his ranking on this list, it’s undeniably remarkable that Johnson has not only battled HIV successfully for over two decades but has also been a vocal advocate in destigmatizing AIDS. Furthermore, he has embarked on a second career as an entrepreneur, focusing on establishing businesses primarily in underserved areas, aiming to catalyze urban revitalization. Magic Johnson—truly a remarkable individual
4. Michael Jordan
I understand the risk of facing backlash from devoted Chicago fans for suggesting that His Airness isn’t the greatest player ever, but hear me out. Michael Jordan undeniably stands as one of the most renowned players in basketball history. His impact on the game is unparalleled, and his insatiable drive for greatness is legendary, propelling him to six championships, five MVP awards, and numerous All-Star appearances throughout his career. With a career scoring average of 30.1 points per game, Jordan’s offensive prowess is unmatched, and his defensive skills are often heralded as among the best ever seen in the NBA.
However, it’s essential to recognize that Jordan didn’t achieve these feats in isolation. He benefited from playing alongside other top talents like Scottie Pippen and under the guidance of strategic mastermind Phil Jackson during his peak years. While Jordan’s individual brilliance is undeniable, it’s fair to acknowledge the support he received from his teammates and coaches.
Nevertheless, it’s also worth noting that Jordan’s competitive spirit sometimes bordered on obsession, impacting his relationships with others off the court. This intense drive undoubtedly contributed to his success but also underscores the sacrifices he made in pursuit of greatness.
And yes, as a side note, it’s always entertaining to engage in friendly banter with passionate Chicagoans about their sports achievements. On a related note, did you know that the 2013 Seattle Seahawks boasted one of the most formidable defenses in NFL history?
5. LeBron James
Yes, the individual many fans erroneously label as the most overrated choke artist in the league is, in fact, the epitome of basketball greatness. LeBron James transcends the boundaries of what should be humanly achievable on the court. Possessing a physique larger than a substantial portion of NFL players, he exhibits a gracefulness reminiscent of the most agile basketball guards. Furthermore, James not only bore the immense burden of being heralded as “The Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated during his teenage years, but he has surpassed the lofty expectations placed upon him.
While earlier players were undeniably magnificent, they didn’t contend with the incessant pressures of 21st-century media as James does, and he handles it with remarkable poise. Throughout his career, James has delivered performances akin to those of Oscar Robertson, averaging an impressive 27.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. Unlike Robertson’s era, James faces opponents stacked with elite athletes, not halftime cigarette smokers.
Critics once questioned his ability to secure championships early in his career, yet they failed to acknowledge his Herculean effort in leading an overmatched Cleveland Cavaliers squad to the 2007 NBA Finals at just 22 years old. Since then, he has added two titles (and potentially more) to his resume as a member of the Miami Heat. Not only does James routinely execute maneuvers previously unseen, but he also consistently refines his game to address any perceived weaknesses. He embodies everything one could ask for from the greatest player of all time, wouldn’t you agree?
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
How come? How come the top scorer in NBA history is only ranked as the tenth best player of all time? Yes, indeed. Even though Kareem scored an incredible 38,387 points while he was a player, I find it impossible to ignore the fact that the two greatest point guards of all time, Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson, passed to him frequently throughout his career. In addition, the fact that he played in the NBA for almost 10,000 years inflated his career totals. (Or twenty. Whatever.) Still, he was a formidable force that ruled the game for twenty years and perfected the sky hook, one of the most exquisite shots in history.
7. Tim Duncan
I’ll admit to a fan-fling with the San Antonio Spurs teams of the late ’90s and early 2000s, despite being a lifelong devotee to all Seattle sports teams. While their slow-paced style of play may have lulled some fans to sleep by the third quarter, there was a pure beauty hidden amidst the low-scoring affairs: Tim Duncan’s bank shot. In his prime, Duncan, affectionately dubbed ‘The Big Fundamental’ by none other than Shaquille O’Neal, epitomized sound basketball play like few others in history.
Though his unassuming style and reserved demeanor may have limited his cultural impact compared to other basketball legends, Duncan’s four championships, 14 All-Star Game appearances, and two NBA MVP awards are undeniable proof of his extraordinary talent.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
At the opposite end of the ‘attractive play’ spectrum from Duncan is Shaquille O’Neal. While Tim Duncan relied on superb footwork to navigate the post, Shaq, with his extraordinary bulk (standing at 7’1″ and weighing 315 pounds), often used sheer force to dominate his opponents. His go-to move was a powerful dunk, a strategy that propelled him to lead the NBA in field-goal percentage an impressive 10 times throughout his career. However, O’Neal wasn’t solely reliant on his physicality; surprisingly graceful for his size, he possessed a deft touch with close-range jump shots. As for his free-throw shooting, well, that’s a different story…
Best Basketball Player of All Time List-
- Oscar Robertson
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Magic Johnson
- Michael Jordan
- LeBron James
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Tim Duncan
- Shaquille O’Neal